'Finding my way with ODI team', says Arthur after ignominious England series

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ANI London[England]
Last Updated : Sep 02 2016 | 11:48 AM IST

Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has conceded that he was finding his way with the one-day team after they slumped to their fourth consecutive defeat against England in Leeds.

Chasing a modest 248-run target, England endured a troubled start, slumping to 72-4, before Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow steadied the innings as the duo made a 103-run stand for the fifth wicket to help the hosts take an unassailable 4-0 lead in the five-match series.

Arthur, who took over the coaching reins after spells in charge of his native South Africa and Australia, however, insisted that he has full say in selection alongside chief selector Inzamam-ul- Haq.

"I want to give guys opportunities and then we'll know by the end of the tour who we can and can't take forward," Arthur was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. "Inzi and myself have developed a really good relationship. We speak a hell of a lot. I spent probably 40 minutes on the phone to him yesterday just discussing where we were and possible names who could come in positions I've identified. What I am finding out is who can do a job and who can't."

Assessing further, the coach observed that his side lacked power hitters in comparison to 'phenomenal' England side and insisted that they need to iron out their flaws in the next series against the West Indies.

"England are a phenomenal cricket team, power hitters all the way down, we haven't been able to get quick starts and clear the ropes," he said. "We just don't have the players to do that within our group of 15 at the moment. Those are things we need to address and bear in mind for the next series. It also gives me an opportunity to decide who we take forward and how we play our cricket. With every game that becomes clearer and clearer."

Despite producing a spirited performance in the preceding Test series, Pakistan have looked listless in the 50-overs format, with even conceding highest ever ODI score when England scored a mammoth 443-4 at Trent Bridge.

Both sides will next play the fifth and final ODI in Cardiff on Sunday.

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First Published: Sep 02 2016 | 10:49 AM IST

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