KARACHI, Dec 21 - Pakistan's performance in losing
the first test against Australia was unacceptable, Pakistan
Cricket Board chief Shaharyar Khan said on Tuesday.
Pakistan were bowled out for only 72 in the second innings
to lose by 491 runs before lunch on the fourth day of the first
test in Perth.
"We are prepared to accept that defeat and victory are part
of the game," Khan told Reuters. "We know that under the new
coach Bob Woolmer the players need time to adjust to a new
system and method. But we expect them to at least put up a good
fight."
"We are prepared to be patient with the players and
management. But obviously there is a limit to our patience and
that of the people. We are totally disappointed with the way the
team capitulated in the first test.
Pakistan, who have never won a test series in Australia in
nine previous attempts, will play two more tests in Melbourne
from December 26 and in Sydney from January 2.
"Pakistan is a proud cricket nation and we want some
continuity in the team," Khan added. "But if the current lot
can't pick themselves up than we will also have to look at our
reserve talent for future tours."
Khan said he had spoken to the coach and captain and advised
them to put the defeat behind them.
"This team is capable of doing well and fighting hard
against Australia," he said."It is all about playing with pride
and application no matter what the conditions."
He said he had sympathy with the disappointment of the
Australians at Pakistan's performance.
"Naturally the paying public doesn't want one-sided
contests," he said. "Hopefully we will do much better in the
remaining two tests."
Former Pakistan captain and coach Javed Miandad backed the
team to bounce back in the last two tests.
"What happened in Perth was horrendous," he told Reuters.
"But the team has some talented players and all they need is to
make minor adjustments to their techniques and play with heart
on Australian wickets."
Miandad, who was replaced by Woolmer as coach in June this
year, said he understood it was not easy beating the world
champions in their own backyard.
"But I think the coach also needs to stop blaming the
players and making excuses for every poor performance," he said.
"Woolmer is a highly regarded coach and he needs to back his
players and give them confidence at all times."