Arthur angry as chances grassed
COACH BEMOANS SLOPPY FIELDING
Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur blasted his players after their blunders helped Australia secure their one-day series at Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday, taking a 3-1 lead in the five-match series.
Set an imposing 354 to win, Pakistan were never in the hunt.
After Australia made 353/6 on the back of a David Warner century that was aided by appalling fielding from the tourists, Pakistan replied with 267 from 43.5 overs.
A frustrated Arthur was left lamenting another sloppy fielding effort marked by a number of dropped catches.
“We can’t compete with a side like Australia if we give their top five that many chances,” he said. “It’s unacceptable, those standards we set as a cricket team those standards haven’t been met. Is it skill level, attitude, or is it fatigue?”
Opener Sharjeel Khan, who dropped two catches in the Australian innings, slammed 74 from just 47 balls, but once he fell to recalled leg-spinner Adam Zampa Pakistan’s fate was all but sealed.
Warner backed his form with the bat by doing what the Pakistanis couldn’t – hanging on to two excellent catches.
He was pleased to have the series wrapped up ahead of the final game in Adelaide on Thursday, saying the team “played fantastic”.
After Australian captain Steve Smith won the toss, the home side took advantage of a placid wicket and the hapless Pakistan fielding.
Warner top-scored with 130 but Pakistan did not help themselves, conceding a number of overthrows and dropped catches at crucial times. – AFP