Law commends Afghan cricketers as highly talented

KABUL (Pajhwok): Former Australian batsman Stuart Law has characterised his stint as the interim head coach of the Afghan squad as short but refreshing.

Hailing the Afghan squad as talented, he said in an interview with Cricbuzz that the natural players always tried to learn whatever they could.

Law said he taught the team how to get better at playing certain types of deliveries. “It’s about how they play the game and the way they prepare for a game just differently.”

Fazal Haque Farooqui, an upcoming bowler involved with some franchise cricket over the last couple of months, was showing great promise, the ex-head coach.

About the carefree attitude of some Afghan batsmen, the Australian said: “I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I think having an aggressive mindset, no matter what format you are playing, is of paramount importance.”

Asked if Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi could be the backbone of their batting in ODIs, he replied: “I think you need those types of players in any 50-over game…”

With regard to Afghanistan not enjoying home advantage, Law said it was hard playing international cricket in the country.

“It’s going to be difficult to get other teams go there. I think the boys are quite happy playing in the UAE and those conditions really suit them the way they play their game.”

He believed the Afghans would be happy playing teams like England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in the UAE.

Asked if spinners like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb could be effective in Australia during the ICC World T20, he said the duo liked the wicket where the ball skidded. Australia would provide that, he thought.

Having pace and bounce, Australian tracks did spin, both for fast and slow bowlers, Law noted. Rashid and Mujeeb, playing in Big Bash, knew how to take wickets, he concluded.

PAN Monitor/mud