Pakistan have to learn from their mistakes

PAKISTAN are determined to learn the lessons England have taught them about one-day international cricket this summer.

The tourists’ bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, a veteran of many seasons in England as a player, admits the ongoing Royal London Series has been a disappointment for Pakistan.

At 4-0 down with one match to play in Cardiff today, and England on course for a first 5-0 whitewash of any opposition, it could hardly be anything else.

But Pakistan have an eye already on returns next summer for the Champions Trophy and, depending on an improvement in their ODI ranking of ninth, the World Cup in 2019.

By then Azhar is confident they will be able to show the benefits of their tough learning curve.

“It’s been a disappointing time for us but there are a lot of positives,” he said.

“We are going to make mistakes. As long as we learn from them, we hope we can turn the tables around.

England have been transformed since their embarrassing early exit from last year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

“From where England were 18 months ago they changed the mentality and we have to do the same thing,” said Azhar.

“We’ve got young players who can change things but it will take time.”

Pakistan must make one enforced change as they seek to avoid a whitewash, with Mohammad Irfan ruled out of the remainder of the tour.

Hasan Ali will replace him for the Twenty20 at Old Trafford.