Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has criticised Babar Azam as Pakistan edge towards a 3-0 Test series defeat in England. Akhtar spoke on PTV Sports while Pakistan struggled in the third Test at Edgbaston.
A difficult position at Edgbaston
Pakistan were bowled out for 133 in their first innings, 268 behind England’s 453. By the close of day two they were 52/2 in their second innings, still 216 runs adrift. Ollie Robinson struck twice early in that innings.
England had already won the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs and the second at Lord’s by 194 runs, so Pakistan need a major turnaround to avoid a clean sweep.
Changes behind the scenes
After the Lord’s defeat the Pakistan Cricket Board removed seven players from the touring party, five of the replacements having no Test experience. The board also replaced Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul with white-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke.
Babar later said he had not been consulted before the changes were announced. Akhtar used that to question leadership and decision-making in the team.
Akhtar’s criticism
Akhtar argued that a captain’s personality shows in his game and his decisions, and said not too much should be expected from this side, the captain included. He added that the failure lies with the system, and that firm decisions cannot be expected from the people currently involved.
A loss at Edgbaston would complete the whitewash and put further pressure on Pakistan’s leadership and cricket structure.
