Noffke Urges Calm As Pakistan Make Changes To Bowling Attack Ahead of Third Test

Pakistan's new Test bowling coach Ashley Noffke admitted that he took on the latest role in an unusual manner after Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were abruptly sacked by the PCB. However, he stressed that the team now needs some positivity, as they have experienced plenty of chaos over the last few days.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Ashley Noffke said that the players did felt some uncertainty, however, they are quickly regaining their confidence ahead of the third Test.

"There's obviously a feeling of uncertainty [in the players] but also they've just got back on the job. I've been really impressed with the level of calmness that they've taken over the couple of days once we've given them time to talk.” said Ashley Noffke at a press conference.

“We've done that in one-on-one scenarios where they can talk to the head coach, the bowlers can talk with me, and they can get things off their chest and then move forward." added Ashley Noffke.

Pakistan have made major changes to their pace attack ahead of the third Test. After relying mainly on right-arm medium-fast bowlers in the first two matches, the team has now brought in more pace and variety, with less focus on experience.

One of the new faces is 21-year-old fast bowler Razaullah, while left-armer Mohammad Imran has also been added to the attack. Noffke has spent time working with both bowlers individually. He has also held one-on-one sessions with Ubaid Shah, who has been part of the tour from the start but is yet to make his Test debut.

"They [the new bowlers] have pace, which is a value-add. Mike said in previous interviews it's about providing some balance to our attack.” said Ashley Noffke.

“We've got a left-armer there available for selection in Imran Jnr. And Razaullah is a right-arm bowler with a slightly different action and good pace so it's about providing some stability around those guys that have been doing the heavy lifting for us. Abbas is obviously amazing through this series and we need to support him as best we can.” added Ashley Noffke.

Noffke then admitted that Pakistan cricket has faced some off-field issues over the last few years. However, he urged the players to stay focused on their game and not think too much about those events.

"One thing that I've learnt about being in Pakistan and coaching for a period of time, nearly 15 months now with the white-ball team. There's always something going on in the background, and whether or not it's in or out of our control, and I think most of the time it's out of the player's control, they need to focus on the cricket that they have in front of them. There's some really great opportunities here for young cricketers that are highly skilled." added Ashley Noffke.