"A nation’s players in denial" by Ian Pont

[kumar89]

Originally Posted by Ian Pont
Yes JS did too... we all did, I was referring to JF and me being English and enjoying that special win.

SAH was the leading wkt and runs.. i didn't say he wasn't. he was world number 1 and u expect that. I said it wasn't ALL about him and others made great contributions.

Ian, Shafiul Islam won us the match @ England with his batting right?

The Pacers Shafiul Islam+ Rubel Hossain took a wicket each. Our Spinners took 7 Wickets (Neeam, Razzak, Mahmudullah, Hasan) which u expect on a track that aides spinners. I am not saying that the wicket Shafiul took is not important. Just to remind you, he took the wicket of Ajmal Shahzad. and again to remind you Rubel Hossain took the wicket of Tim Bresnan. The spinners took the most important wickets of pure batsmen not lower order/Bowlers wicket. look at how many wickets the pace bowlers of England took, 4 wickets. Shehzad 3 and Bresnan 1 with better economy rate than Both Rubel+Shafiul. When you talk about how well our pacers did under you I get very worried.

[kumar89]

New Zealand in Bangladesh ODI Series - 1st ODI

Nazmul Hossain 7 overs 46 runs @ Econ 7.57
Mashrafe 1 over 7 runs @ Econ 7.00
----
Spinners took 7 wickets with Shakib takes 4 (B.McCullum, J.Ryder)

New Zealand in Bangladesh ODI Series - 3rd ODI
Shafiul Islam 4 overs 22 runs 1 wicket Econ:5.50
Rubel Hossain 8 overs 39 runs 1 wicket Econ: 4.87
-----
Spinners took 8 Wickets! Shovo career Best 3/14

New Zealand in Bangladesh ODI Series - 4th ODI
Shakib Scored 106! and took 3 wickets!
Shafiul Islam 7.3 overs 39 runs 2 wicket Econ: 5.20
Rubel Hossain 10 overs 42 runs 1 wicket Econ: 4.20
-----
Spinners took 6 wickets ( Shakib 54/3)

New Zealand in Bangladesh ODI Series - 5th ODI
Only match that Rubel did well.
(Rubel 25/4), (Shakib 35/2 and 36 runs)

my question is how do you say our pacers did well under you. here clearly you can see we won most of our games becuase of our spinners except the last game.

[Ian Pont]

Originally Posted by kumar89
New Zealand in Bangladesh ODI Series - 1st ODI

Nazmul Hossain 7 overs 46 runs @ Econ 7.57
Mashrafe 1 over 7 runs @ Econ 7.00
----
Spinners took 7 wickets with Shakib takes 4 (B.McCullum, J.Ryder)

New Zealand in Bangladesh ODI Series - 3rd ODI
Shafiul Islam 4 overs 22 runs 1 wicket Econ:5.50
Rubel Hossain 8 overs 39 runs 1 wicket Econ: 4.87
-----
Spinners took 8 Wickets! Shovo career Best 3/14

New Zealand in Bangladesh ODI Series - 4th ODI
Shakib Scored 106! and took 3 wickets!
Shafiul Islam 7.3 overs 39 runs 2 wicket Econ: 5.20
Rubel Hossain 10 overs 42 runs 1 wicket Econ: 4.20
-----
Spinners took 6 wickets ( Shakib 54/3)

New Zealand in Bangladesh ODI Series - 5th ODI
Only match that Rubel did well.
(Rubel 25/4), (Shakib 35/2 and 36 runs)

my question is how do you say our pacers did well under you. here clearly you can see we won most of our games becuase of our spinners except the last game.

Thanks for your endorsement because as you may recall before you got banned, I was National BOWLING Coach and not just fast bowling coach. In the same way a batting coach doesn't just work with one or two batsmen, but ALL those who bat.

I spoke to JS about taking over the spin department with Julien to support that. Julien bhai and myself worked with the spinners under plans we discussed when I arrived in September 2011. We spoke to Salluddin, who had done great work previously in an unofficial capacity when he could, and worked on developing the lines and lengths/variations and control.

As you pointed out Shuvo got a career best, and Razzak was on fire. Shakib bowled really well. The spinners indeed bowled superbly and we are all proud of them. I since note that Shuvo and Razzak are now not even in the team and their form has been lost. Shafiul has suffered the same.

My passion and preference is in pace bowling coaching though.

The role of bowling coach has since been SPLIT into pace bowling (Shane Jurgenson) and spin bowling (Saqlain Mushtaq). So if anything, we would hope to see good results more often from now.

[Zunaid]

Admin NOTE: We usually do not feel it necessary to explain the reasoning why someone is banned. The reasons are well enshrined in our rules. However, it was brought to my attention that the timing of the ban might send the wrong message to the members. Kumar was NOT banned for his criticism or comments on Ian Pont. Ian Pont - by virtual of being a coach AND a member is a fair target for criticism and contrary opinions as long as they are done without vitriol and follow forum rules. In this instance it was. BC is not putting an extra protective shield on any member. Free and open discussion are encouraged as long as - yes, forum rules are obeyed. Kumar was banned for multiple egregious infractions and trying to circumvent the rules.

[Ian Pont]

Originally Posted by Zunaid
Admin NOTE: We usually do not feel it necessary to explain the reasoning why someone is banned. The reasons are well enshrined in our rules. However, it was brought to my attention that the timing of the ban might send the wrong message to the members. Kumar was NOT banned for his criticism or comments on Ian Pont. Ian Pont - by virtual of being a coach AND a member is a fair target for criticism and contrary opinions as long as they are done without vitriol and follow forum rules. In this instance it was. BC is not putting an extra protective shield on any member. Free and open discussion are encouraged as long as - yes, forum rules are obeyed. Kumar was banned for multiple egregious infractions and trying to circumvent the rules.

Good point, Zunaid. Healthy debate and differing opinions are encouraged.

Remember we are all here to see the betterment of Bangladesh Cricket and to find out how things can be made better.

Everyone has the right to an opinion. Just play nice

[MarvinDaMartian]

Originally Posted by Ian Pont
Yes I recall that.

At THAT time I didn't feel it was necessary because the team was doing well. The atmosphere was positive and we were trying to get the team to be 'grown up' and a top 8 team.............................................. .

Ian, even before you were born I suggested something here (a post ofmine from 2004)

http://www.banglacricket.com/alochon...1&postcount=16

Originally Posted by MarvinDaMartian
You know what - I am new to this forum. Anyway...about cricket.....bottomline is we don't know how to play. Simple.

How can we improve? Geographically we have a big advantage. Indian, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are very near to us, and all these countries are pretty damn good in playing cricket. We can use these countries as resource to develope ourselves (in cricket ofcourse).

- For international test matches, play the least amount possible for the next four years (I can't take it anymore!). If you don't like to play any that is better!
- Re-introduce school cricket all over the country (and football)
- Reintroduce Dhaka club cricket (no Twenty20)
- No dull, slow wickets for ANY match.
- More money to National League.
- Every year send one-two teams to Ranji Trophy in India. If possible, send seperate teams to Pakistan's Q. Azam trophy.
- Every year arrange U-19 test/ODI series against Sri Lanka. If possible, do the same with India and Pakistan.

And I think in another post as a reply to your thread I mentioned that "learning" is the main problem in Bangladeshi society. In our society it is considered a shame to admit one does not know something. As a result people grow up in such a way (in school, in life in general) that the cricketers you are coaching will not know or admit they do not know something. I would not blame the cricketers solely for that. The environment of the game is also responsible for it. Players pick up the things they see happening around them. Only a few truely determined, hard-working individuals can probably see through this and pick up the good stuff.

Out first class cricket is a shamble. You were gentle enough to compared it with County second elevent teams but I think the differences get exposed when we play practice matches and or when our A teams visit overseas. Vast difference. If we think about our first class cricket as a school ( a poor quality school), the students we produce will be like that as well. Occassionally we will get one or two bright stars but on average we will struggle. On my 2004 post at that time (and still now) as we did not have good first class cricket I thought exposing as many players as possible to the tougher cricket environment of India and Pakistan would be helpful.

Anyway there is no use talking about it.

I don't know if you are the right choice for our head-coach or not. I am no expert in cricket to judge the feasibily of a coach but all I can say is your concern for our cricket wellfare is praiseworthy.

I am not defending Tony Miah but I guess this guy has his hands full as well. He wanted to do an academy and I am sure he still wants to do it but probably he is very busy to move this project and/or he is facing the familiar 'walls' trying to initate the project in Bangladesh.

[Ian Pont]

Originally Posted by MarvinDaMartian
Ian, even before you were born I suggested something here (a post ofmine from 2004)

http://www.banglacricket.com/alochon...1&postcount=16






And I think in another post as a reply to your thread I mentioned that "learning" is the main problem in Bangladeshi society. In our society it is considered a shame to admit one does not know something. As a result people grow up in such a way (in school, in life in general) that the cricketers you are coaching will not know or admit they do not know something. I would not blame the cricketers solely for that. The environment of the game is also responsible for it. Players pick up the things they see happening around them. Only a few truely determined, hard-working individuals can probably see through this and pick up the good stuff.

Out first class cricket is a shamble. You were gentle enough to compared it with County second elevent teams but I think the differences get exposed when we play practice matches and or when our A teams visit overseas. Vast difference. If we think about our first class cricket as a school ( a poor quality school), the students we produce will be like that as well. Occassionally we will get one or two bright stars but on average we will struggle. On my 2004 post at that time (and still now) as we did not have good first class cricket I thought exposing as many players as possible to the tougher cricket environment of India and Pakistan would be helpful.

Anyway there is no use talking about it.

I don't know if you are the right choice for our head-coach or not. I am no expert in cricket to judge the feasibily of a coach but all I can say is your concern for our cricket wellfare is praiseworthy.

I am not defending Tony Miah but I guess this guy has his hands full as well. He wanted to do an academy and I am sure he still wants to do it but probably he is very busy to move this project and/or he is facing the familiar 'walls' trying to initate the project in Bangladesh.

I agree pretty much with all you say.

You should be in the BCB and running it

[MarvinDaMartian]

Originally Posted by Ian Pont
I agree pretty much with all you say.

You should be in the BCB and running it

Ahem, love your sarcasm! Running anything gives me goose bumps. I am more comfortable at typing here!

[BrianLara7]

Originally Posted by BengaliPagol
cmon guys lets take the initiative. Lets start a BanglaCricket.com Pace Academy. With Ian's help we should uncover some Steyns, a couple of Starcs and some McGraths.

The whole world has not been able to uncover a Mcgrath and Ian pont will uncover some Mcgraths in Bangladesh.. LMFAO

[Dilscoop]

You are very harsh and kinda short minded.

The Banglawash came without either Tamim or Mash being available!

The defending 174 at Mirpur against NZ (when Rubel bowled that reverse swing yorker we had worked on) was the lowest ever score defended by BD. This was a complete turning point in belief for the team. It is belief and confidence that lifts an emotional bunch of players like BD. You saw how the Asia Cup results were uplifted by a wonderful BPL previously.

"Banglawash" was one of the high moment of Bdesh cricket, I wasn't trying to deny that. I was talking about the World Cup. So let's...

"Barely" beating England was the biggest thrill for me and JF personally. We worked our **** off to get the guys up for that match.. and it was a 'must win' game. Had BD lost to England the WC would have all been over. But they never gave up. The lads pulled off a hard fought win. Ryad was amazing and Shafiul just extraordinary. Both of those matches showed guts and determination that are currently missing from the team! The Ireland win was also really hard fought. Again brilliant defending of a modest total at Mirpur on a good pitch. Ireland beat England in our group remember so were a fine team.

And this is what I was arguing against. You're always making it sound like team was on super high slope during the World Cup, and everything went downhill from the moment you guys left. Yet I don't recall anything special from that WC other than that "barely" win against Eng and 2 against Associates (not trying to undermine those wins, but it is what it is). If the team was indeed as good as you make it out to be then how come I can't see the difference between that WC team and the current team? You guys did lift up the team and the fans. You and JF esp made the team spirited, something JS wasn't able to do. You guys did insert self belief and pride in those players. No one can deny that, we all witnessed it during Banglawash. But it wasn't there in the World Cup. And that is my main point.

The WI and SA matches were a complete debacle with the bat. But this is BD, what do you expect sometimes?

So that's your explanation? That it's BD? That's a bit demeaning thing to say, coming from an ex coach, dont you think? But then I thought that team was ...

People can sit behind a computer and make comments, but the reality is coaches have to actually work with the players and try to get the best from them in very testing circumstances.

I wasn't doubting the coaches ability, skills or their works, no one here questions your or JF's class, I'm just talking about the results.

Why that era is celebrated is that the results were rare. People had something GENUINE to cheer about. It wasn't all about Shakib or Tamim. It was about Razzak, Ryad, Rubel, Shafiul, Naeem, Shuvo and others. People stepped up and made contributions.

Yet, when it mattered the most, all the players choked.

You can choose to be negative about it bhai. That is your choice. But maybe this is all about YOUR expectations that don't match the reality of the team's ability.

I'm not looking at the negative. Again, I'm strictly looking at the end result of the mission; World Cup. The whole thing was set up for the world cup. BCB had cancelled test matches, and hired high class, specialist coaches and put together that army for mission World Cup. And how was the mission?

Now if you are saying fans' expectations were too high then I just have to ask you, did the team meet YOUR expectations during that main mission? If yes, then I have nothing farther to say.

[Ian Pont]

Originally Posted by Dilscoop
"I was talking about the World Cup. So let's...blah blah blah blah (as above)

I was talking about all 14 matches I was with the team and not just the last 6 (World Cup).

However, the World Cup itself was bitterly disappointing. Jamie Siddons lost his job over it.

The expectation from the coaching staff and players was to make it into the 2nd phase. We missed it only on Run rate, which was destroyed by two appalling batting performances against West Indies 58 all out and South Africa 78 all out.

The truth was beating the West Indies was our chance to go through. It turned out to be humiliating. The fact that next match we beat England was remarkable, to keep the slim chances alive. You will recall that England and WI only just scraped through the group themselves, so right up until the last match, it was a tough group.

In the other group, Zimbabwe and Kenya were awful and so the group was decided very early. Our group was the toughest sadly, but that's not an excuse.

Despite this you will recall Tamim saying he was going to score the most runs in the competition, but didn't even get the most runs in the team. The build up to the WC had NCL matches when we should have been playing ODI's and also had the main players for the WC not being available for 3 weeks in January while other countries were preparing with Internationals.

No one who was there can forget that 58 all out. The fans rioted over it and threw rocks at the team buses. I had things posted through my door in Gulshan. So we all felt it very hard. The immediate days after that, the players were devastated. They didn't even want to talk about the match.

The fast bowlers in particular, struggled at the World Cup. Shafiul had stage fright against India and took a smashing. Rubel didn't hit his lengths and struggled. But there was never time to recover with games coming thick and fast - a real learning curve as the lads went along, most of whom were only just around 20 years old.

A good result would have been to make the last 8. As expected though, it went to form with the top 8 all getting through. I suppose that was the reality of expectation. The advantage BD had was the crowd and the home pitches but this is the World Cup and all teams step up.

I think a Quarter Final would have given Jamie another contract. In the end his lost his job effectively over run rates. The QF would have been against Pakistan under lights, a game that Bangladesh would have had a great chance in. But it is all in the past.

58 and 78 live long in the memory. It was undoubtedly what killed the dream. Even had one of those stupidly low scores not happened, Bangladesh would have got through.

So yes bhai, we were not pleased and felt so disappointed. The Head Coach lost his livelihood over this, possibly as he was also batting coach. It's hard to talk about when a colleague loses his International career even after so much hard work has been put in to get the team ready for the WC.

[reyme]

Originally Posted by BrianLara7
The whole world has not been able to uncover a Mcgrath and Ian pont will uncover some Mcgraths in Bangladesh.. LMFAO

I salute Ian Pont for being one of the most caring fans of BD cricket. Not only Ian is passionate he is an intelligent and a very smart coach. Coches can make a difference and Ian shows how. Ian already uncovered Steyn and some other great cricketers so has nothing new to prove.

[MyRoom]

God Willing! Bangladesh will one-day become the best Cricket team in the World I can promise you that. Passion is a gift!

[MyRoom]

I disagree with some peoples viewpoints. The 'major' reason Bangladesh cannot find top quality pacers is because of our pitches I mean who would want a career as a fast bowler in Bangladesh when their pitches offer very little reward? its the complete opposite of what a fast bowler would want they don't want to get injured every time by bowling fast on these sort of pitches. Its not of a surprise why the 4 asian countries produce the best group of spinners in the world and the the non-asian countries produce the best fast bowlers in the world and that's due to their pitches so until we can sort out our pitches, fast bowling in Bangladesh will always remain a problem.

[mufi_02]

Originally Posted by Ian Pont
The truth was beating the West Indies was our chance to go through. It turned out to be humiliating. The fact that next match we beat England was remarkable, to keep the slim chances alive. You will recall that England and WI only just scraped through the group themselves, so right up until the last match, it was a tough group.

Originally Posted by Ian Pont
Despite this you will recall Tamim saying he was going to score the most runs in the competition, but didn't even get the most runs in the team.

Yeah I remember that. TI always talks big and fails even bigger.

Originally Posted by Ian Pont
The fast bowlers in particular, struggled at the World Cup. Shafiul had stage fright against India and took a smashing. Rubel didn't hit his lengths and struggled. But there was never time to recover with games coming thick and fast - a real learning curve as the lads went along, most of whom were only just around 20 years old.

I hope they learned something from this huge event. Maybe in next WC they can look past this fright and nervousness and deliver something.

Originally Posted by Ian Pont
I think a Quarter Final would have given Jamie another contract. In the end his lost his job effectively over run rates. The QF would have been against Pakistan under lights, a game that Bangladesh would have had a great chance in. But it is all in the past.

Reading this, it brings back the frustration and total heart break. Imagine going to QF in the home soil. It would have been amazing. You are right about some chances of beating Pakistan. So many things could have happened.

Originally Posted by Ian Pont
58 and 78 live long in the memory. It was undoubtedly what killed the dream. Even had one of those stupidly low scores not happened, Bangladesh would have got through.

So yes bhai, we were not pleased and felt so disappointed. The Head Coach lost his livelihood over this, possibly as he was also batting coach. It's hard to talk about when a colleague loses his International career even after so much hard work has been put in to get the team ready for the WC.

Very good lines. I had my fair share of argument with Ian in the past. But I have to give him credit for these great post and some insight observation. Many things happens behind the closed doors and in the dressing rooms which we never know as fans. I may or may not be convinced yet for Ian as the HC but I don't doubt his passion and eagerness to help our cricket. Even though he left a while ago, I noticed he still uses "we" when describing the team. I wish he comes back to BD in some capacity and helps our cricket.

[BANFAN]

IP was a very refreshing addition to the coaching staff, while nothing was going right under JS. All his policies and prophecies were tumbling right and left, IP gave a perfect direction to the Bowlers. And it was the bowlers who gave us that 4-0 and most of the other wins. If we were humiliated by 58/78 it wasn't IPs fault. It is logical to have the spinner taking more number of wickets in a spin friendly pitch and they bowl more number of overs too. Pacers have done an excellent job by providing early breakthroughs and making crucial breakthroughs when spinners were failing ... So I do remember that time fondly and acknowledge the fact that, we couldn't maintain that upward trend after IP has left us. On the other hand we are making some progress with our batting after JS has left us. We have less number of new batsmen getting confused as it would happen regularly with JS...his products are all now wondering around in a confused state...Ash, SN, JS, ROK... Name it...that tells the story. We would consider ourselves lucky, if we could retain IP or even could reappoint him... But I guess I don't need to say much about the people who make these decisions in BD...

[Ian Pont]

Originally Posted by mufi_02
Very good lines. I had my fair share of argument with Ian in the past. But I have to give him credit for these great post and some insight observation. Many things happens behind the closed doors and in the dressing rooms which we never know as fans. I may or may not be convinced yet for Ian as the HC but I don't doubt his passion and eagerness to help our cricket. Even though he left a while ago, I noticed he still uses "we" when describing the team. I wish he comes back to BD in some capacity and helps our cricket.

Thanks chum. The most important thing you identified is highlighted above.

As coaches we are not always allowed to say or do what we would like to when in any role. All of us as fans, coaches and supporters want the national team to do well. This should definitely be remembered.

[Ian Pont]

Originally Posted by BANFAN
IP was a very refreshing addition to the coaching staff, while nothing was going right under JS. All his policies and prophecies were tumbling right and left, IP gave a perfect direction to the Bowlers. And it was the bowlers who gave us that 4-0 and most of the other wins. If we were humiliated by 58/78 it wasn't IPs fault. It is logical to have the spinner taking more number of wickets in a spin friendly pitch and they bowl more number of overs too. Pacers have done an excellent job by providing early breakthroughs and making crucial breakthroughs when spinners were failing ... So I do remember that time fondly and acknowledge the fact that, we couldn't maintain that upward trend after IP has left us. On the other hand we are making some progress with our batting after JS has left us. We have less number of new batsmen getting confused as it would happen regularly with JS...his products are all now wondering around in a confused state...Ash, SN, JS, ROK... Name it...that tells the story. We would consider ourselves lucky, if we could retain IP or even could reappoint him... But I guess I don't need to say much about the people who make these decisions in BD...

Thanks bhai.

For me, some of the batting ideas that didn't work (and just don't work) are:

1. Golden Hour - where batsmen are allowed to have an hour's practice doing exactly what they want. Most chose to try to slog 'head in the air' 6s instead of working on errors they had

2. Individual Plans - where batsmen played for themselves and their own records rather than focus on the needs of the team

3. Rigid Batting Team Targets - where batsmen tried to score at the same rate in specific blocks of overs each match regardless of the situation, pitch or match

4. Allowing Hitting Out In Nets - where batsmen go unchecked on poor shot selection and poor shot execution

I run a cricket academy and have emerging and professional batsmen as part of my business. There is no way you would set such rigid plans on one side and then a complete lack of discipline on the other.

Once you allow a player to hit out or slog in practice and encourage it by not checking it then you create a squad who thinks that rash shots are OK and a lack of creativity is fine. It leads to a poor strike rotation and each batsmen thinking the way to win matches is to hit out - even in Test cricket.

I will leave it up to everyone to decide whether that is exactly what they are witnessing

[WarWolf]

Coach I wrote an article in the 2007 proposing the structure of our cricket. You might want to check.

http://www.banglacricket.com/html/fe...e.php?item=473

What do you think?

[Rabz]

Originally Posted by Ian Pont
Interesting tone of your post. By implication you suggest I am complaining, criticising others for not selecting me and also having a dig at my approach.

So let me clear bhai:

Thanks for the clarification.
But I wasn't having any dig at you. A mere suggestion isn't a dig.

Originally Posted by Ian Pont
The PCB appointment of bowling coach was always set out to be a local. I knew this ahead but I was asked to apply for a different reason.

Wow, seems like you sacrificed your reputation for a cause there. Kudos !
We would be very interested to know who requested you to apply and for what, despite knowing that you won't be selected, a matter, which will also be highlighted on the world media.

Certainly it doesn't look good on a coach of your calibre if the media reports like this:

Originally Posted by The Cricket Guru

PCB Rejected Bowling Coach Applications

Pakistan Cricket Board refused all bowling coach applications, PCB believes that none of the applicants were fulfilling the desired level of coaching. .............[it further says later on the report]............... Jalal-ud-din, [U]Ian Pont[/U], ...........were also among the candidates for the position. But their applications were also not strong enough to impress the committee.

Source : http://thecricketguru.com/pcb-reject...h-applications

I know they can have their own criteria, but you are one of the most respected pace bowling coaches around and to speak of you like that, I would wonder what could have made you to apply for the full time coaching role despite knowing ahead that you won't be selected ??

Originally Posted by Ian Pont
I actually care about developing players and it is NOT about branching out on my coaching business. You have no idea about me. My proposal was to help set up a Bangladeshi run and Bangladeshi trained coaching system, that would rival MRF in India

Fair enough, thanks for the clarification.
Cuz as you spoke earlier of doing business in Bangladesh, it seemed like that was what you were referring to.

Originally Posted by Ian Pont
I realised one thing about doing business in Bangladesh LONG ago. If someone wants something from you, they want it yesterday. If YOU want something, they don't even respond.

So, what would be your role ? Consultancy ??

Originally Posted by Ian Pont
You either don't live in BD or have any dealing with how business works in BD sometimes

So, you lived in Bangladesh for 6-7 months and you think you know all about how things are done in the business circle in BD ??

It doesn't matter where I live or what I do for a living, but you would be better off not telling a Bangladeshi about Bangladeshi way of life !! Trust me !
Mind you, this is not a cruel dig at you as you may suggest, it is just a friendly suggestion.

[Ian Pont]

Originally Posted by Rabz
Mind you, this is not a cruel dig at you as you may suggest, it is just a friendly suggestion.

I didn't take it as friendly.

Let me also say that the article you quote from May 2012 (Pakistan Cricket Board refused all bowling coach applications) also included the man the PCB appointed, Mohammad Akram! You conveniently left that bit out?

Then 3 months later in August 2012: LAHORE: Controversial former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar threw his hat into the ring on Friday to become Pakistan’s next bowling coach. Pakistan have been hunting for a bowling coach since appointing Australian Dav Whatmore as head coach in March, with former Essex paceman Ian Pont the leading contender.

It's clear you can believe what you want in the newspapers. The only accurate thing in a newspaper is the date at the top of it.

It seems you are basing your views on selective newspaper talk, instead of real facts. Shame.

[reyme]

Rabz Bhai Ian is our guest...a very well respected one...just because we are Bangladeshi does not mean we will be always right everything about Bangladeshi...we should be open to other peoples viewpoint...

[Kohli_Sox]

Originally Posted by Ian Pont
Once you allow a player to hit out or slog in practice and encourage it by not checking it then you create a squad who thinks that rash shots are OK and a lack of creativity is fine. It leads to a poor strike rotation and each batsmen thinking the way to win matches is to hit out - even in Test cricket.

I will leave it up to everyone to decide whether that is exactly what they are witnessing

There were some practice matches arranged in small Academy field where players just hit out as hard as they could (the ones before T20 WC I think). Although those matches were meant for T20 preparation, bearing in mind our players also play Test Matches. So do you think that inducted more bad habit into our players? Some of the shots against West Indies Tests indicate the rash/bad habit imo

[Ian Pont]

Originally Posted by Kohli_Sox
There were some practice matches arranged in small Academy field where players just hit out as hard as they could (the ones before T20 WC I think). Although those matches were meant for T20 preparation, bearing in mind our players also play Test Matches. So do you think that inducted more bad habit into our players? Some of the shots against West Indies Tests indicate the rash/bad habit imo

It wasn't that I meant, but that will also have an influence.

I was referring to the general practice of 'Golden Hour', which I witnessed during my time with the team. General poor batting in the nets and an unchecked incorrect shot selection.

The bowling equivalent is allowing long hops and full tosses to be bowled without saying anything or at least trying to make that better.

I sincerely hope the Golden Hour has been confined to the bin....

[Ian Pont]

Originally Posted by WarWolf
Coach I wrote an article in the 2007 proposing the structure of our cricket. You might want to check.

http://www.banglacricket.com/html/fe...e.php?item=473

What do you think?

Very insightful. It seems we have some people on BCF who are clearer of thought and have more genuine passion for Bangladesh Cricket than most board members.