NEW DELHI: Former cricketer Just Ali on Thursday fell hard on Pakistani cricket after their disappointing performance against England on the fourth day of the Multan Test.
Pakistan’s batting excelled in the first two days of the Test, but England quickly took control and maintained their dominance. Pakistan, trailing by 267 runs, then faced a stiff challenge in the second innings, slumping to 82 for six on the penultimate day.
As the first six batters failed to cross the 30-run mark, inclusive Babar Azamwho was dismissed for 5, fans and pundits alike were stunned by the batting collapse.
Star Babar, who was hoping to regain form after a spell of underperformance, was once again dismissed cheaply as his woeful run in the traditional format continued.
Observing yet another below-par performance by Babar and other batsmen, Basit suggested it might be time for the 29-year-old to take a break. He emphasized that other players in a similar situation would be dropped from the squad.
“Babar Azam needs rest. Babar must say that I need rest. It’s been 18 innings since he pitched. If any other player played, he would be out of the squad after three games, like Fawad Alam. This is the bitter truth,” Basit said on his YouTube channel.
While talking about the flaw in the former Pakistan captain’s technique, Basit expressed his disappointment and added, “Babar needs to reduce his stance. Now it’s a lot. The whole world laughs. Is that how you play?’
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Basit then shifted his focus to the Test captain Shan Masoodreaffirmed his position that the experienced southpaw should open and stated that he does not know how to be the captain of the team.
“I was saying that Shan is an opener who should open. But he played at number three. Now, what will happen? Who will you leave out? He has to play with his number. He doesn’t even know captaincy. What happened to this cricket team? This is shameful,” added Basit.
The 454-run partnership between England’s Harry Brook and Joe Root broke multiple records on the fourth day and forced Pakistan to the wall. Pakistan’s heads dropped and confidence plummeted as they waited for England to make their next move.
England eventually declared 823 for 7, putting Pakistan in charge in the final session. Pakistan ended the day with 152/6 on the board and still trailing by 115 runs.
