Shoaib Akhtar slams Pakistan’s defensive approach. On Day 5 of the first Test match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Pakistan’s batters crumbled under pressure.
Pakistan, according to pace legend Shoaib Akhtar, prepared the wicket merely to settle for a draw and had no intention of winning the game. His statements occurred on the fifth day of the first Test match between Pakistan and England at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
At the same time, Akhtar praised the opposition, saying that the Three Lions’ approach in this format is admirable, as red-ball coach Brendon McCullum has already stated that England will not settle for draws.
Also Visit: Ramiz Raja brave comment on the India-Pakistan dispute
There is a mindset difference: Shoaib Akhtar
“Pakistan did not even take the opportunity that was presented to them. England provided them an an opportunity to rescue the Test match, but Pakistan did not take it. There is a mental difference. Would Pakistan have declared in the same situation as England did yesterday? They wouldn’t have done it. Their coach, McCullam, has stated that they will bat at a run a ball in Test cricket “Shoaib Akhtar stated this on his YouTube channel.
“They’re not going to go for draws.” They want to save Test cricket, according to Joe Root. What do you believe will happen if you have this mentality and intent? Even with 7 wickets in hand, Pakistan had no intention of winning the match. They constructed the wicket in order to draw. If this is your intention, where do you suppose we’ll end up?” Shoaib Akhtar questioned.
Pakistan seemed to be in control of the series opener, needing only 263 runs on the last day with eight wickets remaining. Despite the early dismissal of a well-established Imam-ul-Haq (48), the hosts had little to worry about because they still possessed a strong batting lineup.
“It’s quite frustrating. England went out of their way to make this Test match intriguing. They offered Pakistan the opportunity to escape a tie. Pakistan plays well and wins. In this wicket, 350 is not a huge issue. You’ve already gotten 150 points. I saw no evidence of purpose or capability. No offense to the kiddies. You did well, Naseem Shah. However, England deserves to win. “There are no doubts about it,” Akhtar added.
Also Read: Liam Livingstone ruled out for the rest of the tour
