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Exposure is the biggest difference between the two sides, Pakistan's cricket team coach Micky Arthur stated in a press conference ahead of Sunday's Champions Trophy 2017 final. He was answering a question about the difference between the Indian and Pakistani sides when it comes to major tournaments.
Addressing the media ahead of the much-anticipated Pakistan-India match-up tomorrow, Arthur said the boys were excited about being where they were.
Terming Pakistan's bowling attack as the team's biggest strength, Arthur termed the earlier group match loss against India an 'aberration'.
"We know how hard we have worked and prepared so what came afterwards was not a surprise because we have trained properly and we have trained well," a confident looking Arthur informed the media.
Responding to a question regarding the performance of youngsters, Arthur said that they came in without the fear of failure and have done really well because of that.
"They have been very brave and committed to their cricket which is very refreshing," Arthur stated.
Arthur also credited the improved performance to the better exposure Pakistani players gained 'rubbing their shoulders' against the greats of the game in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The key to winning tomorrow's match, according to Arthur, lay in the team putting in their best and sticking to the basics.
Indian captain addresses press conference
"We are looking at it as just another match and do not want to be distracted by how big is it or the trophy being on line," Indian captain Virat Kohli said at a press conference earlier the same day.
"The most important thing I have learnt from this tournament is staying away from social media," Kohli said.
"Past statistics and records do not matter," Kohli added, referring to India's 13-2 win record against Pakistan in ICC tournaments.
