Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam, stating that fans can’t expect strong or firm decisions from the talismanic batter as a captain.
Notably, Akhtar’s comments came right after Pakistan’s 0-3 Test series whitewash against England. Interestingly, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) axed seven players from the touring squad after Pakistan’s defeat at Lord’s. PCB also dismissed Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, replacing them with white-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke.
“Look, you are asking two different people two different questions. Had it been me, everyone knows what would have happened. That is a very simple thing. If he isn’t able to do it, it’s because that is his own personality. His own personality is visible in his game; it’s visible in his decisions, it’s visible in everything. So, you know, you cannot ask too much from this team, and including the captain, and and the rest of the pack. You can’t ask too much. What can you expect from them?” Akhtar told PTV Sports.
“So, as of now, the failure belongs to the system. And the bet that we had placed, the investment we had made, that investment is in front of you. But, you know, you cannot expect a strong decision, or a very firm decision, from people like them,” Akhtar added.
Delving into the details of the third and final Test, after bowling Pakistan out for just 133 in the first innings, England responded with 453, gaining a sizeable 320-run lead. Pakistan, however, showed considerable fight in their second innings and piled up 449, with several batters making valuable contributions.
Pakistan eventually set England 130 to win, but England chased it down comfortably at 130/2, with Root and Jordan Cox guiding them home. The result completed a 3-0 series win for England and capped a strong comeback under returning captain Joe Root.
