Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has launched a scathing critique of the national team’s performance in the ongoing Multan Test against England. Despite posting a formidable 550 runs in their first innings, Pakistan’s bowlers failed to contain the English onslaught, allowing the visitors to amass a staggering 823 runs and seize a commanding lead of over 250.
Pakistan’s second innings witnessed a dramatic batting collapse, with key players faltering once again. Captain Babar Azam’s struggles continued, dismissed by Gus Atkinson for a meager 5 runs off 15 deliveries. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan fared little better, managing a paltry 10 runs off 19 balls.
Babar’s prolonged lean patch has drawn particular criticism from Basit, who believes the time has come for the 29-year-old to take a break.
“Babar Azam needs rest,” Basit declared on his YouTube channel.
“He should be the one saying, ‘I need to rest’. It’s been 18 innings without a significant performance. Any other player would have been dropped after three games, like Fawad Alam. This is the harsh reality.”
Basit went on to dissect what he perceives as flaws in Babar’s technique. “Babar should reduce his stance,” he asserted. “It’s too wide now. The whole world is laughing. Is this how you play?”
The former cricketer then turned his attention to Test skipper Shan Masood, reiterating his belief that the experienced southpaw should open the batting.
“I’ve always maintained that Shan is an opener and should be opening,” Basit stated.
“But he played at number three. Now what will happen? Who will you drop? He should play in his rightful position. He doesn’t even understand captaincy. What has become of this cricket team? It’s shameful.”
England’s dominance in Multan stemmed from a record-breaking partnership between Harry Brook and Joe Root. Brook smashed a magnificent 317, while Root compiled a career-best 262, propelling England to a mammoth total before they declared at 823-7.
Pakistan, in response, found themselves reeling at 152-6 at the close of the fourth day, facing an uphill battle to salvage any pride from the match. Agha Salman remained unbeaten on 41, with Aamer Jamal offering support on 27.
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