Wasim slams defensive Pakistan
Former skipper Wasim Akram has slammed the approach of Pakistan’s bowlers in the second Test against Australia at the MCG as being far too defensive.
The former fast bowler highlighted the importance of taking early wickets on a batsman-friendly pitch at the spiritual home of Australian cricket.
Big scores from David Warner (144), Steve Smith (100 not out) and Usman Khawaja (97) helped Australia eclipse Pakistan’s first innings total and leave the sides facing a draw.
Wasim told the Express Tribune: “Pakistan needed to strike with the new ball — if you don’t get quick wickets, you will always struggle to control the scoring rate.
“Once the ball got old, the floodgates opened and the batsmen started dominating proceedings.
“Pakistan’s tactics were a bit too defensive.
“It is especially infuriating since they had posted a big total and could afford to attack. Yasir and the pacers struggled for line and direction and unfortunately the golden opportunity provided by the batsmen was lost.”
While he slammed the bowlers Wasim was full of praise for the batsman after Azhar Ali hit a double ton in Pakistan’s innings.
Wasim said: “Pakistan’s batting has been really pleasing; the visitors have crossed the 400-run mark after a very long time in Australia (33 years).
“Even in the 90s, we struggled to get to 300 there despite our formidable batting line-up full of batting greats. Pakistan’s batting effort is truly commendable and heartening for cricket followers and I hope they continue in the same vein in the third and final Test in Sydney.”
Latest
-
NewsEssex enjoy ‘special’ end to ‘challenging’ year with Bob Willis Trophy triumph
Tom Westley admitted his first year as captain had been ‘nerve-wracking’.
-
NewsTom Westley proud after Essex come through challenging time to win another title
The Chelmsford side have dominated county cricket recently.
-
NewsEssex continue county cricket domination with Bob Willis Trophy success
The Chelmsford side now have a third title in four years.
-
NewsNat Sciver hoping her England heroics put cricket on the map for young females
England’s T20 against West Indies took centre stage on Saturday afternoon.
-
NewsEssex still have the advantage heading into final day despite Tom Lammonby ton
Essex will win the competition if the match is drawn after surpassing Somerset’s first-innings score.
-
NewsTom Lammonby leads Somerset charge after Essex earn first-innings lead at Lord’s
Lammonby was 94 not out at tea with Somerset on 159 for two – an advantage of 123 – in the Bob Willis Trophy final.
-
NewsEssex have the edge in Bob Willis Trophy final clash against Somerset
The Chelmsford-based team made the best score in their first innings at Lord’s.
-
NewsSir Alastair Cook’s brilliant 172 drags Essex towards Somerset total at Lord’s
The rest of Cook’s team-mates provided 99 further runs to Essex’s total, with six wickets down.
-
NewsDubai lighting gives Indian Premier League fielders a challenge
Shreyas Iyer was prepared to give his fielders some leeway after the Delhi Capitals spilt catches but MS Dhoni was having none of it.