Cricket

Wasim Akram criticizes Azhar Ali’s captaincy in the first Test against England

 

Former England Michael Atherton made a good point in the commentary box during the first Test between England and Pakistan when he stated it would be interesting to note Azhar Ali’s tactics in a tight match. In all the Test matches in which Ali has led Pakistan thus far, the team has either won handsomely or lost poorly. Hence, Ali didn’t have the experience of leading the team in a thrilling contest as the matches had gone one-way.

That proved to be detrimental for Pakistan as they lost the enthralling first Test match against England by three wickets at Old Trafford, Manchester. Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram came down hard on Azhar Ali’s captaincy and felt the skipper was not up to the mark in his leadership.

Pakistan were in the driver’s seat when Chris Woakes joined forces with Jos Buttler in the middle, with England at 117-5. Woakes had been struggling to find his form as he was averaging around five in the last six Test matches. It is well-known the short deliveries are Woakes’ Achilles Heel but the Pakistan bowlers were too friendly with the right-hander.

Azhar Ali could come up with the right plans and Pakistan’s bowling looked toothless when Buttler and Woakes switched on their One-Day mode. They added an alliance of 139 runs and there were no maiden overs bowled by Pakistan bowlers when both of them were at the crease.

The right-handers didn’t allow the bowlers to settle and find their groove as they kept attacking. Soon as the runs started to flow, Pakistan was under the pump.

“Winning and losing is part of cricket, but I think our captain missed a trick quite a few times in this game, as far as his leadership is concerned,” the former Pakistan captain said.

“When Woakes came in, there were no bouncers, no short deliveries, they let him settle down and runs were coming easy,” Akram said while talking to Sky Cricket.

Akram also reckons that the fast bowlers like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah should have bowled more in England’s second innings. Afridi bowled 15 whereas Shah bowled 13 overs in the second essay. Akram feels both of them should have bowled around 18-20 overs.

England made a roaring comeback into the match whereas Pakistan had the match in their claw but they let it go. The second Test match between the two sides will take place at Ageas Bowl, Southampton from August 13.

 

 

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

We’ll try to win the ISL again: Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s Jose Molina

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina has revealed that the goal is to… Read More

November 14, 2024

I am fully focused on the Malaysia match: India head coach Manolo Marquez

India’s head coach Manolo Marquez is fully focused on the international friendly against Malaysia. The… Read More

November 14, 2024

“It’s very important that Amorim succeeds at Manchester United” – Nuno Mendes

Paris Saint Germain left-back Nuno Mendes has wished incoming Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim all… Read More

November 14, 2024

Gujarat Titans name Parthiv Patel as assistant and batting coach

Gujarat Titans have named Parthiv Patel as the assistant and batting coach. Patel will join… Read More

November 14, 2024

Arshdeep Singh can actually bowl well in all phases of the game: Parthiv Patel

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Parthiv Patel showered praise on India’s pacer Arshdeep Singh, stating the… Read More

November 14, 2024

4-0 a distant dream, take one step at a time – Sanjay Manjrekar advise to Team India before Border-Gavaskar series against Australia

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has urged India to take one Test match at a… Read More

November 14, 2024