Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has blasted the Pakistan bowlers for undervaluing the experience of newly appointed Indian bowling coach, Morne Morkel.
Morkel was Pakistan's bowling coach during the ODI World Cup 2023. He was fired alongside other coaching staff, after a forgetful campaign, where Pakistan failed to qualify for the knockout rounds of the ICC tournament.
Basit believes that the Pakistan pacers did not make the most out of Morkel's invaluable experience, claiming that they belittled the South African's coaching advices.
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Pakistan's bowling woes have been highlighted even more following their 2-0 defeat to Bangladesh in Tests.
Earlier, the Pakistan bowlers were criticized for their mediocre performances at the T20 World Cup 2024 where pitches favoured the bowlers.
Most notable among their defeats was their loss to the hosts of the event USA, who beat them in the Super Over. The team and Haris Rauf in particular received plenty of backlash following this incident.
MORE: Basit Ali compares Indian fast bowlers to Pakistan legends Akram, Waqar
What did Basit Ali say about Pakistan bowlers' treatment of Morne Morkel?
Basit Ali has slammed the current bowling unit of Pakistan for their treatment of Morne Morkel, stating that they did not make use of his services during the South African's stint as the bowling mentor.
After Morkel's appointment as India's bowling coach, the former Proteas bowler appeared to be in a joyful mood working with India's disciplined fast bowlers as they defeated Bangladesh in the first Test match.
While Pakistan bowlers struggled to stamp their authority in the recent series-loss against the continental minnows, Bangladesh, India dominated and picked up 20 wickets comfortably in the Test match.
Looking at the contrasting results, Basit blasted Shaheen Afridi & Co. on his YouTube channel for their belittling attitude towards Morkel.
The Pakistani bowlers consider themselves to be bigger than cricket. They thought that Morkel was nothing in front of us.
"We got to know the difference. This is the same Bangladesh played against Pakistan, where it seemed as if Pakistan were completely on the back foot. This is the same Bangladesh that whitewashed Pakistan. The difference is of mindset, thinking and class," he added.
MORE: BCCI to unveil new NCA on September 28
What is Morne Morkel's record for South Africa?
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | 4w | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 86 | 309 | 27.66 | 53.3 | 18 | 3.10 | 6/23 |
| ODIs | 117 | 188 | 25.32 | 30.6 | 7 | 4.95 | 5/21 |
| T20Is | 44 | 47 | 25.34 | 20.2 | 2 | 7.50 | 4/17 |
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