Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja slammed Pakistan cricket team after losing first test against England. Despite being in command for majority of the test match, Pakistan lost to the hosts after England chased down 277.
The Pakistan team managed to gain upper hand at the end of first innings. They managed to get a huge 107 run lead. However, with Pakistan once again being Pakistan, they faltered in the most unusual way during their second innings.
The batting lineup were made a paltry 169 before getting all-out in their second innings. On the other hand, England struggled chasing 277 as they found themselves at struggling at 117/5.
But all rounder Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler stitched a century stand between them. This helped England clinch the first test by three wickets. Speaking after the match, Ramiz Raja was critical of Pakistan team as they failed to register the win despite dominating the game.
“Only Pakistan could have lost from that position. With such a lead they may have thought 250 would be enough to roll over England. With five wickets down and big guns back in the pavilion at 117, allowing over 100-run (139 runs) partnership between Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes is the disappointing part. Mind you, Buttler was playing for his position in the XI,” Ramiz Raja said.
“Pakistan were little confused during that partnership. This has been happening with Pakistan quite often, unfortunately. It was a superb partnership no doubt but why did Pakistan allow it? There is a reason their ranking is low in Tests (No 7).”
Azhar Ali Under Scanner
Pakistan captain Azhar Ali was under scanner after the defeat. The skipper did not try anything out of the box to try and break the partnership between Buttler and Woakes.
Instead, they went for a defensive approach as the partnership progressed. This has led to easy singles and little pressure on the batters. Eventually, Woakes remained till the end and saw England home in the first test at Manchester.
“When you got a captain, who is not in great form, the coaching staff has to be more proactive. Also, they get a good perspective sitting outside. England were allowed to take easy singles, close to 40 singles were taken by Buttler and Woakes through point,” he concluded.
Pakistan will play two more test matches in Ageas Bowl, Southampton. The visitors will look to make amends to their mistakes in the first test. The second test will begin on August 13, while last test is scheduled on August 21.
