MX23RW : Saturday, June 15 18:14:01| >> :600:354017:354017:

Sarfaraz Ahmed plays down importance of past Pakistan vs. Australia whitewash

Sarfaraz Ahmed plays down importance of past Pakistan vs. Australia whitewash
© Reuters
A recent 5-0 defeat at Australia's hands is not playing on the Pakistan captain's mind.

Sarfaraz Ahmed insists both his Pakistan side and their coach Mickey Arthur are ready to put their experiences of Australia behind them and focus on their World Cup clash.

Pakistan were turned over 5-0 by the Australians during their last one-day international series in March, while Arthur was the first foreign coach to lead the Baggy Greens.

He was sacked less than two years into that assignment, just before the 2013 Ashes, but has worked hard to rebuild his reputation with Pakistan.

Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is hoping to move on from prior setbacks.
Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is hoping to move on from prior setbacks (David Davies/PA)

Sarfaraz was keen to leave both issues in the rearview mirror ahead of Wednesday's fixture at Taunton, keeping the match itself in focus.

"It's the past. We're not thinking about that," he said of the recent whitewash in the United Arab Emirates.

"Actually we are thinking about the game. Our morale is very high, momentum is very high. So hopefully we'll do very good against them tomorrow, inshallah."

Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur is facing his old side at Taunton.
Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur is facing his old side at Taunton (Simon Cooper/PA)

As for Arthur's own prior association, the wicketkeeper added: "He's a wonderful coach, doing very well with us.

"Since the last three years he's working very hard with our players. For me, for Pakistan, he's a wonderful coach."

When Australia played India in their last outing, Sarfaraz's opposite number Virat Kohli made a point of asking his team's fans not boo David Warner and Steve Smith.

India captain Virat Kohli called for respect towards Australia's returning duo.
India captain Virat Kohli called for respect towards Australia's returning duo (Nigel French/PA)

Instead he encouraged supporters to applaud the pair, who recently returned from ball-tampering bans.

Asked if he would make a similar gesture, Sarfaraz suggested it was unlikely to be necessary.

"I don't think Pakistani people are doing (things) like that. Pakistan people love cricket and they love support and they love the players," he said.


Click here for more stories about Mickey Arthur

Click here for more stories about Pakistan

Share this article now:
Hasan Ali in action for Pakistan on June 3, 2019
Read Next:
Cricket World Cup day nine: Pakistan look to build on England win
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Click here to log in with Facebook and add your favourite team's news and scores to this panel

6

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
/esi/758/0/index.html - esi:0:site:0:-p-: {0}: - :T758:-: {0}: < ! - - T  758 {0} - - >  : 

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account