Pakistan’s horror show in the World Cup 2023 saw them miss out on a place in the semifinals and now the ripple effect is showing after Morne Morkel resigned as the team’s bowling coach.
The former South Africa pacer had joined the Pakistan team back in June on a six-month contract which was due to expire next month however, he has stepped down from his position as Pakistan’s bowling coach.
Pakistan’s bowling attack has considerably weakened since the Asia Cup in the absence of Naseem Shah who was ruled out of the World Cup due to a shoulder injury. While Haris Rauf registered the unwanted record of being the most expensive bowler in the tournament’s single edition, Shaheen Shah Afridi was also lacklustre and struggling with his fitness in certain games.
Follow all the action from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 including the World Cup schedule, World Cup 2023 results, and ICC Cricket World Cup points table. Players are vying to top the World Cup 2023 Most Runs and World Cup 2023 Most Wickets charts.
The lack of a world-class spinner hurt Pakistan who failed to pick up wickets in the middle overs as Shadab Khan struggled with form and fitness issues while Babar was forced to turn to Iftikhar Ahmed as his sixth bowling option.
Young spinner Usama Mir did impress in the tournament but already too much damage had been done before was given consistent chances.
Pakistan won their first two matches in the tournament, starting brightly but after losing to India by 7 wickets, Babar and Co. lost four matches in a row, which nearly derailed their campaign.
Victory over New Zealand sparked some hopes of a late push for the semifinal but in their final game Pakistan needed a victory of 287 runs, however, they lost to England.
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Morkel first took charge as the side’s bowling coach against the two-match Test series versus Sri Lanka. A statement from PCB confirmed Morne’s decision on Monday and the apex body announced that will be appointing a successor in due course. Babar Azam and Co. reached their home nation after the team finished fifth in the points table.
Pakistan’s next assignment will be the three-match Test series against Australia, that is scheduled to take place from December 14 to January 2024.
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