While head coach Mickey Arthur advocated the use of a sports psychologist to aid the team, Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has admitted that it is an alien concept for him.
Arthur had spoken about the issue following Pakistan’s narrow four-run loss to New Zealand in the opening Test at Abu Dhabi while attempting to chase a target of 176 in the final innings.
Post the loss, the Pakistan coach had told ESPNcricinfo, “This is the second time it’s happened in a year, that we’ve lost in a fourth innings chase.”
“This is something we need to overcome as a team. Hopefully the next time we’re in a position to do it, we’ll win it comfortably. I continually discuss with the PCB (the possibility of getting a sports psychologist). We have had discussions around it.”
The South African coach believes that a sports psychologist will help the team in pressure situations.
Sarfraz said it would be a first for him.
“I have heard about it but I don’t know how he will work with the team. I have never had the chance of working with a sports psychologist but if I do only then can I say how the experience is like. But yes, our batsmen are failing to play long innings and crumble when asked to chase a target,” Sarfraz told PTI.
It remains to be seen whether the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) accedes to Arthur’s demands.