Pakistan’s woes in Test cricket are getting more serious as the National team under the captaincy of Babar Azam produced yet another mediocre effort in the third Test against the English team at Edgbaston.
Pakistan started the series losing the first two matches and were looking to finally win the final Test. But the team’s batting again collapsed as Pakistan were bowled out for 133 off 33.5 overs.
The visitors lost 4 wickets for only 26 runs and found it difficult to maintain a meaningful partnership. Saud Shakeel got the top score with 43 runs, as some of the other regular batters didn’t even get double-digit scores. Pakistan continued to be under pressure as England claimed a 23-run advantage on their first day.
In a conversation with Pakistan Connect, the fans of cricket in Islamabad were displeased with the team’s consistently poor performance.
Ali Raza, a university student, said it was astonishing to him how Pakistani players lose composure when they are under pressure in Test cricket. He further added that Pakistan cricket has some good talent, but talent is only good if we keep giving it our all when the opposition comes at us.
Another fan, Usman Khan said that the main issue with Pakistan was the lack of consistency.
He said that
“One day we hear that this is a new beginning and then the next day they are all out for a low score once again. The blame for all of this has to go to the players; the main reason is the same basic mistakes that are continued to be made on the field; it has nothing to do with the changes around the team.”
Islamabad-based cricket enthusiast Hamza Ahmed believed that Pakistan had lost its identity in Test cricket.
“Whenever Pakistan used to face a difficult situation in Test cricket, they would fight till the end; now it is as if everyone is waiting for the collapse when early wickets are lost.”
Meanwhile, Bilal Sheikh said the team needed to focus on rebuilding its confidence and temperament.
“Pakistan does not lack talent; the players have a lack of patience and discipline, and they are also bad at handling pressure in Test matches.”
The latest performance from Pakistan has once again brought up serious concerns for the fans, as England has already defeated Pakistan in the first two matches.
It is not simply a matter of winning matches; the challenge for this team with such a proud cricketing past is now to find the fighting spirit and consistency that seem to have eluded the team.