GRANT Flower has relived his ordeal in Pakistan when he was part of that country’s national cricket team coaches, alleging that former captain Younis Khan held a knife to his throat when he tried to offer him some batting advice. BY TERRY MADYAUTA The former Zimbabwe batsman served as Pakistan’s batting coach from 2014 to 2019. The 49-year-old who left the team after his contract with Pakistan ended last year, is currently the batting coach of the Sri Lankan cricket team. Speaking during a live chat on Followings on Cricket Podcast with fellow Andy Flower and presenter Neil Mantorp, who was also his teammate in the Zimbabwean team, Flower recalled the horror incident during a 2016 Test match in Brisbane, Australia. Asked about the different players he had to deal with, Flower said, “Younis Khan, quite tough to master. Obviously, a brilliant career for him. I remember one incident in Brisbane, during the Test, at tea break I tried to give him a bit of batting advice, not that my career was anywhere near his regarding stats, as he is the highest scorer in Pakistan Test cricket.” “But he didnt take kindly to my advice and brought a knife to my throat, with Mickey Arthur sitting alongside, who had to intervene. Yeah, its been interesting. But that’s part of coaching. It makes it a hell of a journey, and Ive really enjoyed it. I’ve still got a lot to learn, but I’m very fortunate to be in the position I am.” Flower said Pakistan opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad was also hard to deal with. “Hes a very skilful batter, but quite rebellious. Every team has got its rebel. Sometimes it makes them better players, sometimes maybe not so,” said Flower, who scored 3 457 runs in 67 Tests and 6 571 runs in 221 ODIs for Zimbabwe. Khan, who is now the batting coach of the Pakistan cricket team currently touring England, is yet to respond to Flower’s disclosure. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly refused to comment on the matter, saying it wasnt as serious as portrayed by Flower.