“Pakistan has made the same mistake since partition”: Shoaib Akhtar strikes after losing Manchester

Shoaib Akhtar beat Pakistan’s performance in the first test. (File / AP)

Former Pakistani runabout Shoaib Akhtar criticized the Pakistani test team for losing to England in the first Manchester Test on Sunday. Akhtar blamed the batsmen for their lackluster approach, especially in the second innings, saying the ruthless shots and lack of partnerships were the reasons for Pakistan’s defeat.

“Pakistan had a chance to set a big goal, but has made the same mistake (that they have made) since partition. The eyelash has let us down. We had a lead of more than 100 runs and batsmen should have benefited from it. But the batsmen failed to form partnerships, ”he said.

“Shan Masood was unlucky, but he had already played his part. Asad Shafiq has been run out, it’s his fault again. But Babar Azam has to come up with something good because you can’t make a name like that. You may be a good player, but you have to establish yourself as a match winner, ”said Shoaib.

“If it weren’t for lead, we’d be laid off for only 150-175. You have to think about what to do as a hitter, that’s really disappointing, ”he concluded.

When Akhtar got into bowling, he criticized how much the young Naseem Shah focused more on bowling length.

“When Chris Woakes came out to hit why didn’t he cut it short and hit his head to make him feel uncomfortable, so the chances would come. This is a lack of aggression, ”he said.

Earlier on Saturday when Pakistani bowlers failed to break the partnerships, England finished their 10th highest successful test run hunt on September 27th. Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes spearheaded a remarkable comeback for England in a three-wicket win. Buttler dropped out for 75 while Woakes hit the winning runs and was unbeaten on 84. Leg spinner Yasir Shah (4/99) was the most successful bowler for the visitors.

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