Players were under psychological pressure, says Kiesel (9 July 1999)

9 July 1999

Players were under psychological pressure, says Kiesel

Ilyas Beg

LAHORE, July 8: Physiotherapist Dr Dan Kiesel said here on Thursday that psychological pressure was so much that all the Pakistani players could not sleep a night before the final of the seventh World Cup at Lord's.

In an exclusive interview to Dawn here Dan Kiesel said that everything was right for the Pakistan team till skipper Wasim Akram, who had led the team intelligently during the entire competition, won the toss and opted to bat first. However, the loss of quick wickets in the early stages never allowed the players to stabilise the innings and the whole team was bundled out for a low score.

"Even the most outstanding bowler of the world could not have turned the corner and won the final for Pakistan with such a meagre total to defend. That made the job of the Australian team winning the World Cup rather easy"! said the disappointed physiotherapist.

Replying to a question Dan Kiesel revealed that Yousaf Youhana was hundred percent fit before the final but decision not to play him in the all-important match was that of the team management.

He said that the players had been fit but injuries to them occurred on the field. They got injured while diving, catching or being hit during play.

"I have not been totally satisfied with the fitness of players as they could have raised to a higher level. But the Pakistan team did not lose any match during the World Cup due to fitness problem of any player", said the physiotherapist.

He said that wicket-keeper/batsman Moin Khan fractured his finger and he played heroically during the tournament after having injections. Ijaz Ahmed also injured his finger. He also played after being injected but unfortunately, he could not play to his potential.

Inzamam-ul-Haq injured his fingers while affecting some brilliant catches. He batted after treatment and in some matches he played brilliantly despite being in great pain. He was hit by the opposing bowlers in his rib-cage and on toes on some occasions. But at no stage, he shied away from playing. In some matches he played while he was injured.

"I assure you no one is more sad than Inzamam himself after a poor performance. He is an excellent team man. I have seen him crying in the dressing room after failing in a match!" said Dan Kiesel.

Captain Wasim Akram guided the team throughout the tournament in an excellent manner. He was shivering in bed due to fever before one match.

However, he mustered courage, braved the illness and went on to win the match next day. Wasim Akram led the team so well that it topped in the group league.

Thereafter, it also topped in the Super Sixes stage and then outplayed New Zealand in the semi-final. It was sheer bad luck that the team could not come off in the all-important match of the tournament.

Source :: The Dawn