Cricket: I'm in control, says Miandad

By RICHARD BOOCK

Pakistan coach Javed Miandad isn't anticipating any overseas interference when his team begin their test series in New Zealand.

The man who hurt New Zealand so often as a test batsman returned yesterday on his second tour as Pakistan coach, adamant that the internal wrangles of last month were a thing of the past.

Miandad has been involved in a long-running slanging match with chairman of selectors Aamir Sohail after objecting to the training squad for New Zealand being chosen without consultation.

In the fallout that followed, Sohail publicly criticised Miandad's training methods and the coach responded by ridiculing his former team-mate's selection policies.

Skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq was also drawn into the row, saying that he supported Miandad on the issue of consultation, and wasn't happy with the 22-strong squad selected.

However, Miandad said yesterday that Sohail would not have any involvement in the selections on tour, and assured assembled media that he and his captain had a harmonious working relationship.

Evidently unaware of Sir Richard Hadlee's last act as New Zealand's convener of selectors (when he assumed responsibilities at the World Cup), Miandad suggested there was no place for a chairman's role on tour.

"There will be no problems," he smiled. "Inzy and I are like one on selection, and Aamir Sohail won't be involved because this is a touring situation, so everything should proceed smoothly."

Miandad, who was sacked as Pakistan coach following the tour to New Zealand three years ago, took back the reins after this year's World Cup tournament and has watched his side steadily improve.

There were losses in the NatWest Challenge series in England and the final of the Bank AlFalah Cup against New Zealand, and later in the one-day series against South Africa, when they saw a 2-0 lead turned into a 3-2 defeat.

But countering that was the demolition of Bangladesh at home and a morale-boosting 1-0 test series win over South Africa, leaving Miandad with a record of four wins from five tests since his return.

"It's an important tour for us because there was a re-assessment in Pakistan cricket after the World Cup, and some changes have been made," he said.

"Since then the team's been doing pretty well. Even when we lost we played reasonably well, and our overall form has been excellent."

Miandad said while the moist and humid conditions would play a part in the series, his chief concern was the ability of the New Zealand side, who had fashioned an impressive record over recent years.

"You go back five or 10 years and they weren't always strong, but they now have quality players; they've been doing well all over the world and we have to believe that they're a very good team."

Inzamam agreed with his coach, saying it was pleasing to whitewash the New Zealanders 5-0 in this month's one-day series, but that little could be read into the prospects for the first test, which starts on Friday at Hamilton.

"After the five one-dayers we're feeling confident," Inzamam said. "But over here everything changes. The conditions are different, the game's different, and many of the players are different, so I just think it will be a good series."

The Pakistan squad arrived without three touring members, Abdul Razzaq, Azhar Mahmood and assistant manager Muhammad Ahmad, who are expected to join the rest of the party in Auckland tomorrow.

Razzaq's delay was caused by illness, and Mahmood and Ahmad by a holdup with the delivery of visas.

Pakistan will open their tour with a three-day match against Auckland starting tomorrow, before heading for Hamilton on Wednesday.

The second test starts in Wellington on Boxing Day.

Pakistan schedule

* Tomorrow-Tuesday: v Auckland, Eden Park.

* Friday-Dec 23: v New Zealand, first test, Westpac Park, Hamilton.

* Dec 26-Dec 30: v New Zealand, second test, Basin Reserve, Wellington.

* Jan 1: v Wellington, Basin Reserve.

* Jan 3: v New Zealand, first ODI, Eden Park.

* Jan 7: v New Zealand, second ODI, Queenstown.

* Jan 10: v New Zealand, third ODI, Jade Stadium, Christchurch.

* Jan 14: v New Zealand, fourth ODI, McLean Park, Napier.

* Jan 17: v New Zealand, fifth ODI, Cake Tin, Wellington.