'New Zealand to find it tough in coach's absence'

Karachi: Pakistan cricket coach Intikhab Alam has said that New Zealand's forthcoming assignment against Pakistan would be a tough one in the absence of a full time coach.

In an interview to The News, Alam highlighted that international teams do need the services of a coach who can guide the players regarding their individual game and chalk out strategies for the squad, and since the Kiwis appear to be in no hurry to appoint a new coach following Andy Moles departure, captain Daniel Vettori would have a tough time in the UAE one-day series against Pakistan.

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" From where I see it, it is very important for an international cricket team to have a full-time coach. I believe that New Zealand could find the going tough without a coach in their squad," Alam said.

Moles, 48, had resigned last week following reports that most of the Kiwi players wanted him out because he was not providing the technical and tactical guidance they wanted.

Alam said Vettori, who is already under severe pressure being the skipper of the squad, would now have to share more burdens in the forthcoming tournament.

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" It could be tough for him (Vettori). I mean, the whole idea of having a coach is to ensure that the captain is spared from any headaches and can focus on leading his players on the field in the best possible manner," he said.

New Zealand would also be missing the services of vice-captain Brendon McCullum, which has added to Vettori' s woes.