Cricket: Javed backs experience over machines

By RICHARD BOOCK

Pakistan coach Javed Miandad reckons he doesn't need a machine to tell him what's happening.

At a time when most test-playing nations - New Zealand in particular - are embracing every bit of technology they can lay their hands on, Miandad's side have arrived in the country without - shock, horror - the services of a video analyst.

"I don't need a computer programmer to tell me what's happening, not yet anyway," Miandad said in Hamilton yesterday.

The former Pakistani great is an avid explorer of technique and method, and his expertise has apparently been as useful for veterans such as Inzamam-ul-Haq as it has for the younger players like Imran Farhat and Yasir Hameed.

Miandad, whose team meet New Zealand in the first test at Westpac Park this morning, said a new video analyst would probably be appointed, but he was not unduly perturbed by not having one.

"We've done all right without one so far. I am the video analyst. Whatever is happening I see and assess and keep it all stored up here," he said, tapping his forehead.

"I have the experience, I can see the performance and can pass on my observations."

There has been a suggestion that during the test match, New Zealand will try to play on Pakistan's well-earned reputation for in-fighting, in much the same way they profited during the previous tour in 2001, when they won the one-day series and drew the tests.

But Miandad said his side had been playing well for six or seven months and the sense of togetherness had never been stronger.

"Morale is very high and the boys are playing as one, so there are no problems there," he said. "They are tough players and work very hard."

As for his batsmen, Miandad believed there was no secret recipe for success.

"If you're a class cricketer, there will be no problems, and I have plenty of confidence in the batsmen."