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Pakistan’s poor performances in Tests continue. They lost the home series 1-0 against mighty Aussies in January and failed to win the series in Sri Lanka and draw the series against islanders,1-1 in Sri Lanka wasn’t a bad result for the cricket-loving nation. Playing Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka is always a challenge. But what are the reasons for the team’s performance? we try to find out the reasons behind it.
Dependable Openers
Pakistan’s opening batters’ performances in Tests in away tours are very miserable. Apart from the young Abdullah Shafique who performed really well in difficult conditions while his partner Imam-ul-Haq does not perform well in the recent series, after all, Imam-ul-Haq’s performance on away tours is not up to the mark, as the left-hander only scored 406 runs in 18 innings with a poor average of just 25.37. Now it is time to give a chance to Inform Shan Masood who performed really well in recent past years in domestic seasons.
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Out of form Middle-order deteriorates Pakistan’s performances in Test
Pakistan team is nothing without Babar Azam and there is a lot of burden on his shoulders as we only rely on him. The side’s middle-order performances in Tests are a big concern for the team.
Middle-order consistently failed to perform. Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, and Mohammad Rizwan are not consistent performers for a long time. Babar Azam and co can stick with Mohammad Rizwan as he had the best batting average amongst Pakistan’s wicketkeeper’s min 1000 runs.
But Pakistan needs to replace veterans Azhar Ali and Fawad Alam. Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam might be the best replacements for these two players respectively.
Inconsistent Spinners
Pakistan facing huge problems in spin departments in recent past years. Spinner’s performance in Tests is ups and downs in Test matches.
The comeback of veteran spinner Yasir Shah and Mohammad Nawaz’s performance was not up to the mark.
PCB’s selectors now keep an eye on domestic cricket for young spinners and give them proper chances. Ali Usman is one of them who performed well in the recent domestic season. Skipper Babar Azam and selectors now should think about Shadab Khan’s inclusion in test matches as he can be an important weapon also in the Test arena.
Lacklustre Pace Attack
Pakistan’s pace attack, without Shaheen Shah Afridi’s absence, looks mediocre. Apart from Naseem Shah, who is improving day by day. But the other pacer, Hassan Ali’s not performing well in recent years.in 2022, he only picked 5 wickets in 4 matches with an average of 67.40. There is no doubt that Hassan Ali is a top player but he needed a brake which can be helpful to get him in rhythm.
Selection Problems
Inconsistency in Pakistan’s selection is always a big debate in the country’s cricket fraternity. Wrong Decisions in the selection, also is the reason for men in green’s poor performances in Tests in the Test arena. Pakistan could not provide the chance to inform Shan Massod and talented Saud Shakeel in their playing IX. Playing with Bits & pieces all-rounders in Tests will take you nowhere. The management and captain Babar Azam should think about selection decisions.
Probable IX for the next Test Series
Pakistan’s next assignment is against England and New Zealand at home. The Probable IX should be:
- Shan Masood
- Abdullah Shafique
- Saud Shakeel
- Babar Azam
- Kamran Ghulam
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Faheem Ashraf
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Yasir Shah
- Shaheen Afridi
- Naseem Shah
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