Bowling coach says Islamabad visit offers chance to assess emerging talent; rookie pacer Ali Shabbir impresses him
Pakistan bowling coach Shaun Tait has expressed confidence in the country’s bowling resources after getting an opportunity to assess a group of domestic and international players at Islamabad Club playing against Sri Lanka, saying the visit allowed him to watch several cricketers he would not normally get to see while working with the national team.
Tait, who has previously visited Islamabad Club, described the venue as an ideal setting to watch cricket and said the few days spent observing players had provided useful insights, with local coaches also sharing their assessments.
“It’s always good to get a chance to come outside the international team after a series and come and see some guys that I wouldn’t have got the chance to see otherwise,” Tait said.
“First of all it’s a beautiful setting here, the Islamabad club. I’ve been here before a few times and it’s always nice to come back here. So it’s a pleasant place to watch cricket, that’s the first thing.”
The former Australian fast bowler said the opportunity was particularly valuable because it allowed him to observe players with different backgrounds and levels of experience, including established Pakistan internationals and those pushing for national selection.
“It’s been a good few days, just general chit-chat around the players that I haven’t, I certainly haven’t had a chance to see too much. Mike’s obviously seen a bit more and then the local coaches obviously giving some info,” he said.
“Some of these guys are obviously playing for Pakistan, have played for Pakistan and some guys are very close and being (thought about to be playing to represent Pakistan soon, if not very soon).”
Tait said watching players with considerable first-class experience was important, as the demands of working with the national team often made it difficult to visit domestic cricket grounds and follow every emerging prospect.
One player who particularly impressed him was fast bowler Ali Shabbir, whom Tait had previously worked with during his time with Lahore Qalandars in the GSL.
“I always love watching him bowl because you know he’s a fast bowler, runs in bowls mid 140s and he had a good rhythm this game as well,” Tait said.
He added that Shabbir appeared to have made further progress since their previous interaction.
“I told him yesterday he’s looking even better than when I last saw him, so that’s a good sign,” he said.
Tait also acknowledged the quality of other players on display, including Kusal Mendis, while reserving praise for the overall standard of talent available.
“There’s some players, obviously some quality in there, so Kusal Mendis is in there, he batted nicely one of the days. The usual guys, you know they’re going to be good players, world-class players, a couple other guys I haven’t seen too much of,” he said.
Despite the opportunity to assess individual prospects, Tait’s biggest takeaway was the strength of Pakistan’s bowling resources.
“Look I’m confident in the Pakistan bowling lineup that’s for sure,” he added.