Mohsin tells Shafiq off in ''a loving way''

Mohsin Khan, Pakistan's interim coach, said he criticised Asad Shafiq "in a loving way" for an irresponsible dismissal just before the second new ball that enabled England to take control of the second Test in Abu Dhabi.

Shafiq fell to an ambitious slog-sweep at Graeme Swann with the new ball only one over away; the first of three late wickets for England that allowed them to repair the damage caused by a century stand between Shafiq and Misbah-ul-Haq for the fifth wicket and leave Pakistan 256 for 7 at the close.

"I had a go at him - but in a loving way," Mohsin said. "We were hoping for 300 for three or four by the close. Shafiq was playing wonderfully well and after he got out the pressure came back on us and the team suffered. If someone is playing for their country they must understand their responsibilities."

Pakistan failed to make good use of winning the toss, losing four wickets for 103. "We knew that the pitch would play a few tricks in the first session but we wanted to capitalise on it later," Mohsin said. "Misbah has played a tremendous innings for us so far."

Why go only after Asad? Why not Hafeez, Younis, Taufeeq and Azhar? All of them had starts but played rash shots.

Lol, I loved it when in the interview Mohsin said:

"I had a go at him", he had a cheeky grin on him too. Overall it was a very good interview from Mohsin.

He didn't 'go after' him. He merely had a talk to him, like coaches do to the younger players. Trying to make the player understand that throwing away your wicket when you had an excellent start is hardly going after him.

Also, the players you mentioned are senior ones, with the exception of Azhar Ali. Muhammad Hafeez, Taufeeq Umar and Younis Khan are all senior players - they don't need telling - whereas Asad is a young player who has minimum experience, so the reminder is necessary for him.

As far as Azhar Ali is concerned, a score of 23 is hardly a good start, where as Asad was in his 50's. Plus, Nasser Hussain - whilst taking the interview - specifically asked about Asad Shafiq, hence Mohsin replied to that question reverting to Asad.

Hope you understand why he targeted Asad only, now.

^u watched the interview?
where?

i get it.

Yes, I watched the interview. On sky sports highlights.

Good.

This was the first time that I saw Mohsin give an interview and I am really impressed with his speaking skills. He seems to be a well spoken level headed guy. Also if you watch the cricket and the situation that pakistan were in I think out of all the dismissals Asad's was to the 'easier' ball of the lot and at the worse time as well, when the initiative was with Pakistan.

Hay I am glad that these boys Asad and Azhar do not react like like other Pakistani brothers.

It is positive they took it in a constructive manner.

This - someone has to drum it into the players heads so they can get stuck in and play long innings and put a price on their wicket.