Whatmore tells PCB to appoint fulltime batting coach

Karachi: Departing Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore today called on the PCB to appoint a full-time professional batting coach with the national team.

Whatmore is leaving his post after heading the Pakistan side as chief coach for two years and helping them draw their previous Test series against Sri Lanka in the UAE earlier this month. "I wouldn`t know what to say about who should be appointed as head coach but definitely I would say the board needs to have a fulltime batting coach with the players," Whatmore told reporters in Lahore. The 59-year-old Australian ruled himself out as a candidate to have another term with the Pakistan team. "No, I am not in the run because I have taken my decision. I am leaving Pakistan with pleasant memories but with a heavy heart. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the team although it was a challenging task at most times," he said. Describing Umar Akmal as an exceptional talent, Whatmore said the young batsman has the potential to become a great batsman. Asked about the changes being proposed in the ICC governance and financial models, Whatmore said, "The way I look at it, such things are not brought up in the ICC without thought and whatever decision is made by the PCB on this issue I am sure it will benefit Pakistan cricket." He also insisted that his two year tenure should not be judged by results but statistics alone. "Sometimes these things don`t tell the whole story. I would say we had some brilliant highs but yes the failure to win a single match in the Champions Trophy and the test loss to Zimbabwe last year are big disappointments for me and Pakistan cricket," he said.