ISLAMABAD -  Former International Cricket Council president Zaheer Abbas was disappointed that green caps failed to inflict whitewash on West Indian cricket team in Test series.

While talking exclusively to The Nation on Saturday, former Pakistan captain Zaheer, who is also well-known as Asian Bradman, said it was great to watch Pakistan inflicting whitewash in T20 Internationals, than in one-dayers on West Indies and they almost completed the hat-trick of whitewash, when they managed to beat West Indies in first two Tests. “After performing so well, like we had witnessed so many times in the past, complacency once again denied green caps from completing a memorable whitewash in three Test match series against Caribbean’s.”

Zaheer said after winning shorter formats, Pakistan were on a very high and it was expected they would go all out attacking and outclass West Indies in Test matches as well but players were not fully focused as it was clearly evident from their body language. “The boys’ concentration was not of that level, which was required to maintain supremacy. The way boys’ played in the first and second Tests, that passion and desire to win was lacking in the third and final Test as they took West Indians very lightly and thought they had already won the third Test before playing a single delivery. That state of mind cost them dearly as everyone was expecting green caps to win the Test series comfortably, as we had one of the world’s best bowling attacks.”

He said had Pakistan team won the Test series 3-0 it would have done wonders to their confidence and a great news for the cricket-starved masses, who are deprived of watching their favourite sons in action at their own play grounds as international teams are not ready to play in Pakistan, which is indeed highly unfortunate. He said due to matchless sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces, situation is gradually improving with each passing day and the day is not far when Pakistani crowds would witness world teams and top players playing at their own backyard.

Zaheer said the 3-0 victory against West Indies would have given team psychological advantage in coming New Zealand series and after that stern Australia tour is just round the corner. “M Aamir and especially Wahab Riaz are looking in great shape. Yasir was tipped to get wickets, but the way Wahab bowled with fire and venom is a good omen for green caps. He is bound to get assistance from New Zealand tracks and could play leading role in helping Pakistan team achieve more glory.”

He said Pakistan batting was a sign of worry for him as batsmen don’t perform on consistent basis and struggled against West Indian bowling. “I would have not surprised had Pakistani batsmen were struggling against pace bowlers. I am highly disappointed, Pakistani batsmen were given rough time by West Indian spinners, especially Bishoo bowled with lot of authority and he troubled all the green caps batsmen. Asians are well-known to play spinners quite well but reasons best known to Pakistani batsmen, they somehow can’t play Bishoo and others as they should have played. Anyhow its past now, the players must focus on task ahead and try to improve their flaws as quickly as possible ,” Zaheer concluded.