The first Test between Pakistan and Australia ended in a draw. Opting to bat on run-filled surface, the hosts scored 476/4 before declaring their first innings. By the time Australia were dismissed for 459 on the last day of the game, there was no chance of a result. The hosts allowed Imam-ul-Haq to complete his second hundred of the match, having gone without a three-figure mark in his previous 11 Tests.
Mohammad Hafeez was the first former player to slam PCB and players for a dead wicket and the performance of the team. Shahid Afridi has joined the debate, saying that Pakistan’s priority was not to lose the match at any cost.
“They never thought about Australia as their focus was on not losing the Test. Pakistan should prepare better wickets in the remaining two matches. You have to take advantage of your home conditions, or else when you will visit Australia, you will struggle,” Afridi said on Samaa TV.
He also slammed Babar Azam and the team management for not being aggressive with their team combination on such a surface. He feels bowlers can take a serious hit if the team continues to play 7 batters and 4 bowlers.
“Our bowling strength is good and the bowlers can bowl out this Australian side. If you want to become a top team like Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand, you will have to be positive.
“Cricket has changed a lot over the years. You can’t play 7 batters and 4 bowlers anymore. Include 6 genuine batsmen and play 5 bowlers. Our batsmen are in form and the bowlers need game time. If you are making such wickets, you need one more bowler otherwise the remaining ones will get injured,” he added.