Pybus: Rest has given a boost to Pakistan team

JOHANNESBURG (South Africa), January 31: Pakistan coach Richard Pybus Friday feels a couple of weeks break from international cricket has given his team a huge boost ahead of the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup.

Richard Pybus

"There is a positive mood in the camp. I think the couple of weeks at home for the boys was very important," the former Border coach said.

According to local newspaper, The Citizen, the present Pakistan cricket team was "oozing in confidence".

"A lot of them have been away for up to six months on tour. The chance to see their families again has recharged the batteries and I have picked up a very good vibe. There's a focus among the boys that I didn't feel on the South African tour," Pybus said.

Pakistan were beaten 4-1 in the one-day series and 2-0 in the Tests against South Africa but Coach Pybus believed the tour wasn't a complete failure.

"We've been carrying a mixture of youth and experienced players in the squad. And we've been playing around with our options, trying to find our final selection for the World Cup.

"We know we didn't play well while we were over here, but I do think the tour was very important in preparing us for the conditions here.

"It would have been very difficult to get off the plane and say how are we going to play and adjust in the space of a few weeks," Pybus said.

Pybus said the sudden change in the attitude of the team may be because of the aura of the World Cup. "Maybe that is the uniqueness of a World Cup which brings that out."

Pakistan captain Waqar Younis agreed to add, "There is a positive frame of mind in the camp. The World Cup brings that automatically. If we put our heads together, and play to our full potential I think we have got every chance of lifting the trophy."

Samiul Hasan
Media Manager
Pakistan Cricket Team
January 31, 2003