Intermittent showers on day three of Pakistan's conditioning camp resulted in the interruption of training sessions throughout the day.

By Farid Khan (5th May, 2013)

Intermittent showers on day three of Pakistan's conditioning camp resulted in the interruption of training sessions throughout the day. Management had stated their desire to replicate closely the conditions the team are likely to face as they embark on the tour of Scotland, Ireland and England, and they certainly looked to have achieved that after the scheduled start of the target practice match was delayed by persistent rain.

With the rain falling, Mohammad Hafeez and Abdur Rehman took some time out to speak to the press regrading the camp and Pakistan's chances in the forthcoming Champions Trophy.

Mohammad Hafeez confirmed the weather has aided the team's preparations "It's only been a few days, but the conditions in the camp are very good. The weather today is very good. One of the main aims of coming to Abbottabad was to get used to the weather and experience the cooler conditions and to have pitches with moisture.”

Hafeez also stated the importance of practising in match conditions, not just focusing on the nets “The next three days of the camp will be important. The players will be working on things that they will want to apply on the tour of England. There was a focus on batsmen playing in match conditions. Management have decided there will be two practice matches, maybe three. It depends on the physical fitness of the players - the fatigue levels of the players will be judged by the management. There are definitely two matches scheduled and two days of practice in this camp. Hopefully, we will fulfil our aims and requirements for this tour.”

He also stated working with Miandad has been helpful in providing guidance on dealing with match conditions “The normal things regarding technique as a batsman, as a bowler are reviewed. In the five days in Abbottabad there are specific areas that need to be applied but the objective is, that the cool breeze and fresh conditions will be similar to those we will experience in Scotland and Ireland. I think it's a very good thing and the players are enjoying it a lot.” Spending time with legends like Javed Miandad, even spending a minute with them is beneficial but I always believe that whilst speaking to a legend is helpful, if would be better if you could work with them over a longer period of time. The conditions vary from ground to ground, with the need to apply different strategies. Still his attendance, spending time with us and motivating us has been very useful.”


Abdur Rehman also indicated the training camp has been beneficial "I have a lot of experience of playing county cricket in England and I was very successful with it. I'm training fully with with the team and even when I was in South Africa I was training every single day. When I returned to Pakistan I trained and played domestic cricket and by the grace of Allah I performed well. I don't feel like I have any issues regarding my fitness and when I get the chance to play I will perform as I have done previously.” He also remarked on the conditions “This is very similar to England, you don't know when the sun is going to come out, or when it's going to rain! It's been very beneficial for us to have this time in Abbottabad and we will try our best to enjoy this weather!"

Upon conclusion of the press conferences, the showers abated and the delayed target practice match commenced. The players were divided into two sets of teams, led by Misbah-ul-Haq and Shoaib Malik. The main purpose of the match was to ensure the batsmen and bowlers gained further knowledge of their individual roles ahead of the Champions Trophy. The well-contested match passed off largely without incident, with both sets of players clearly competing hard, although there was was an injury scare, as Nasir Jamshed was hit on his finger off a short-pitched ball whilst facing Wahab Riaz. It was the kind of injury that could easily have ended his participation in the Champions Trophy, but after receiving prompt treatment, he later returned to the crease, showing no signs of hesitation and allaying any fears. Mohammad Hafeez also looked in prime touch and he also had a separate batting session with assistant coach Shahid Aslam, where he practiced his back-foot punch, a favourite shot of his and one which brings him a lot of runs.

Tomorrow, on the fourth day of the conditioning camp, the players will have another target-match, further helping them to understand their roles in the side.