Islamabad United coach Dean Jones has called for better pitches in Pakistan Super League (PSL) to allow players to express themselves better in the third edition.
While speaking to Geo News, former Australian cricketer said he is satisfied with the squad following the PSL3 players’ draft.
“Well we planned well and we got what we planned for. So obviously we are happy with our choices,” the channel quoted Dean Jones, who is also called 'The Ustaad' by the franchise.
Praising the standard of PSL as compared to the other leagues, he hoped for better pitches that can allow players to give their best during the competition. “To get the best out of all the overseas players, we need to have good pitches. Not low and slow as we have had in a few matches in previous two PSLs,” he said.
The 56-year-old veteran of 52 Tests and 164 ODIs lauded PSL’s contribution to the growth of Pakistan cricket and said that the idea to include emerging players in the playing XI has proved to be a great one and has helped new talent emerge.
Responding to a question about naming Rumman Raees as vice-captain of Islamabad United, the former Australian batsman commended the character and the leadership qualities of 26-year-old fast-bowler.
“Sadly for Misbah, he cannot play forever and we like what Rumman does for our side,” he said. “He is a strong, stable and reliable person. He's got a terrific temperament and that’s what I like in leaders and captains,” the Islamabad United coach added.
Islamabad United won the inaugural edition of Pakistan Super League in UAE, but couldn’t do well and finished fourth in the second season in 2017.
The team is now determined to make a strong comeback in the third edition of PSL in 2018.
Islamabad United Squad:
Misbah ul Haq, Andre Russell, Samuel Badree, Mohammad Sami, Rumman Raees, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ammad Butt, Asif Ali, JP Duminy, Luke Ronchi, Fahim Ashraf, Sam Billings, Zafar Gohar, Sahibzada Farhan, Hussain Talat, Alex Hales, David Willey, Muhammad Hassan and Muhammad Husnain.