Arthur confident team has got what it takes to win World Cup

Head coach Mickey Arthur spoke about Pakistan team’s preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup, which begins in England and Wales from May 30.

‘Outstanding batting’

“The [ongoing] practice sessions [in England] have been outstanding. There have been so many positives from the England series. We batted incredibly well. [But] we need to work on bowling and fielding. The kit change has been [refreshing], there is freshness among the squad. Mohammad Amir bowled very well today [in the nets]. No problems with him. Shadab Khan did the same. They have come back really well from illness.

“We have been speaking about our strike rate for ages. Our batting was outstanding [against England]. We scored higher than 340 [thrice], then we were down 6 for 3 but we got ourselves to 297. I think we can seek comfortably. I’m incredibly confident that our boys can go out there and do the job, we can chase, we can set.”

‘Fielding boosted by Shadab’s return’

“Fielding [is something] we gotta keep working on. We have some good facilities here. There is no substitute for hard work. We fielded beautifully [in the nets]. The key would be to have our key fielders in key positions. Shadab will come in to cover point, which means Babar Azam can move to cover. Fakhar Zaman can go to short midwicket position. Our fielders can go to positions they know.”

‘Reverse swing will play role’

“The weather here is turning nice and good here. I think reverse swing is certainly going to play a role. The ability to bowl at death and close out innings is an area that we have tried to prioritize. We have got a good mix within our squad that covers all those bases. We have the personnel to deliver whatever conditions we are going to get.”

Pakistan will open their World Cup campaign against the West Indies on May 31.