‘I can’t fault his attitude’ – Mickey Arthur lauds disciplined Umar Akmal

Akmal
Akmal

Prior to the first ODI between Pakistan and Australia on 22 March, Akmal’s last international appearance came in January 2017. Akmal was initially included in Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, but was subsequently removed after failing two fitness tests ahead of the tournament.

Despite returning just 16 in the second ODI at Sharjah, Akmal impressed in the series-opener with his innings of 49, at one stage discarding Jhye Richardson for three sixes in an over.

“I can’t sit here and fault the way he has come into the team,” said Arthur. “The way he has prepared, he has been very good. He has done a good job while being in this environment. He knows the standings are to be in this environment to be in contention for a berth going forward. I can’t fault his attitude.”

While provisional squads for the World Cup will be announced on 23 April, it is the date of 14 April that will now be weighing on the mind of Akmal, with Arthur stating that the 28-year-old's fitness remains an area for improvement.

“The fitness has got better but has work to do in fitness,” added Arthur. “The fitness test is on 14 April and to be eligible to go for World Cup, you need to pass that fitness test."

Pakistan currently trail Australia 2-0 in the series, with the five-match contest being used to test the depth of Pakistan's reserves, according to Arthur. Shan Masood, Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Hasnain have all made their ODI debuts across the two matches.

Despite two consecutive eight-wicket defeats, Arthur remains content with the experimentation of the side.

“We always get castigated for not trying new players and now we are getting castigated for giving opportunities to new players. I think people need to understand that we are a very passionate team.

“The guys that we have brought in here, their attitudes have been outstanding. I think we have got to realise that we have players who are of the international level; the chaps that are here are very good cricketers and will become very good cricketers.

“We are trying to increase the depth of Pakistan cricket.”