Pak should have been ready: Salahuddin

8220;I just feel we should have been mentally prepared for the bowl-out as apparently the Indians were. Nonetheless, we fought well in the end, but not winning the match after getting two balls to score just one run was disappointing,8221; Salahuddin said.

The former Test player said the selectors were closely watching the development and performances of some young and reserve players in the World Cup as well in the ongoing home series against Australia A.

Pakistan are due to play two Tests and five one-day internationals against South Africa and then tour India for three Tests and five one-dayers in November-December.

Salahuddin said Pakistan would have to lift their batting to do well in the Super Eight stage of the World Cup as in the two matches most of the batsmen had struggled.

He also felt that the team management needed to do a rethink on how to use Shahid Afridi in the batting order in the context of any match.

8220;He is a player who can turn a match upside down or get our early. He is a gamble, but one worth taking,8221; the chief selector said. Former Pakistan skipper Javed Miandad said teams would take time to get adjusted to the bowl-out rule but credited India for fighting back.