Pakistan’s cricket team is currently leading the World Test Championship points table after winning the match against Sri Lanka in Galle. The team’s head coach, Grant Bradburn, was appointed in May 2023, and the Test series against Sri Lanka is his first assignment. Bradburn previously worked as a consultant and led the team to success in the ODI series and a draw in the T20I series against New Zealand.
Also Read: Former New Zealand All-Rounder Grant Bradburn Appointed As New Head Coach Of Pakistan
The post of Pakistan head coach has a history of being cursed, with many coaches ultimately being axed. Bradburn has shown promise so far, but only time will tell if he will be successful in the long run. Nonetheless, he has already made an impression on the Pakistan Test squad.
Intent-driven cricket
In 2022, Pakistan was criticized for their lack of initiative and intent in all formats. They reached the final of the T20 World Cup, but their performance in the World Test Championship was disappointing. They lost to Australia, England, and drew with New Zealand. Fans and experts blamed the poor pitches and team approach for the lack of success. Since Grant Bradburn became the head coach, Pakistan has shown more intent and aggression.
Fearless white-ball cricket has seamlessly transitioned into their red-ball game. In the series against Sri Lanka, they scored heavily, with a healthy run rate of 3.80 in the first Test. They also chased down the target in the fourth innings at a good scoring rate. In the second Test, they scored at over six runs per over against the new ball. The new version of England’s Bazball is called Pakball.
Fielding of the highest standard
Grant Bradburn was Pakistan’s fielding coach from 2018 to 2020. Now that he is the head coach, his impact on the team’s fielding form is evident. Pakistan has a reputation for struggling in the field, but they have shown signs of improvement. In the ongoing Test series, the team has been at its best in the field. Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique have pulled off awe-inspiring catches, while the rest of the team has contributed with crucial dives and pinpoint direct hits.
Exceptional camaraderie forged among players in record time
Bradburn has spent quite a while in the setup, so he has a good rapport with the players. However, being the head coach comes with a whole new set of responsibilities. He is responsible for the team’s atmosphere and has done a great job so far. His involvement with the players is evident, as he was seen celebrating Saud Shakeel’s double hundred in the dressing room. He also hugged Pakistan’s Emerging Team captain Mohammad Haris after he led the side to Asia Cup triumph.
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