NEW DELHI: Ever since Pakistan crashed to an innings and 47 runs defeat against England in the first Test in Multan, their backlash refuses to take a backseat. Former England captain Michael Vaughan also weighed in on the issue and called the current Pakistan side the worst he has ever seen.
Pakistan aimed to recover from their recent home Test series defeat against Bangladesh when they faced England.Despite amassing 556 runs in their first innings, Pakistan’s aspirations were shattered by England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ strategy.
Batting for a mere 150 overs, the visiting team declared at an impressive 823/7. In response, Pakistan’s second innings crumbled, mustering only 220 runs, resulting in another demoralizing loss.
“This is the worst Pakistan side I can remember. But to make 823 for seven at 5.5 runs an over, while taking few risks and looking in total control, is very special. The most impressive thing for me was the way the bowling attack combined. You could tell what everyone’s role was. And they stuck to their task gallantly and were right up for the challenge, which is exactly what Brendon McCullum wants to see,” Vaughan wrote in his column for The Telegraph.
Vaughan expressed uncertainty about choosing Shoaib Bashir over Jack Leach as the lead spinner, emphasizing that Leach’s experience and consistency outshone Bashir, who hasn’t bowled enough to develop fully.
“The one selection point I was not sure about at the start of the summer was opting for Shoaib Bashir over Leach as the front-line spinner. I can see Bashir’s potential, but Leach outbowled him in Multan, and had a very good season for Somerset. I am a bit old school with spin bowling. Your finger spinner just needs to bowl, bowl, bowl. That is the way to learn, get used to conditions, make subtle variations to your release point, and angle of attack. Bashir just has not bowled that much this summer,” Vaughan added.
In the latest development, Out-of-form Babar Azam was dropped Sunday as Pakistan shook up their squad for the second Test against England.
Also dropped are pace duo Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, while spinner Abrar Ahmed has been left out after being taken ill.