Pakistan’s coach Mickey Arthur has praised the depth of talent in his team, saying their skill levels are better than those of South Africa and Australia.

The former Proteas and Australia coach is on his first assignment with the Pakistanis after replacing Waqar Younis, who vacated the post in April. His team are now on a tour of England which includes four Tests and five ODIs.

Arthur says he’s been impressed by the natural ability and level of skill he has seen from the players – compared to the two international teams he has coached – especially in the bowling department.

‘It has been an eye-opener,’ he said. ‘The skill levels the Pakistan team have are unbelievable. The ability to do things the other two teams I’ve coached couldn’t do, is incredible.’

Arthur added: ‘What the other teams [South Africa and Australia] had was fitness levels, structures and self-discipline in knowing their own game.

‘I’m trying to get patience into the skills. I was watching Mohammad Amir and Sohail Khan – and they went out-swinger, out-swinger, in-swinger. I said ‘’just hold those lines a little bit longer’’.

‘The patience isn’t where the other teams are, but the skill levels are higher. I’m trying to bring that patience to the skill levels and together you’ll have something very, very good.’

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