Ramiz Raja criticizes Pakistan after series defeat, calls it painful ‘They got whitewashed by a B-grade England team’
Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja heavily criticized Babar Azam-led Pakistan team after getting whitewashed in 3 matches ODI series against England. They got defeated by a temporary England team under the leadership of Ben Stokes. The hosts defeated Pakistan in the last ODI and also won the series 3-0.
After losing the first two ODI of the series, Pakistan tried its best and put a batting display in the 3rd ODI. Babar Azam who started slowly increased the pace as his innings progressed. He scored 158 runs in a very healthy strike rate over 100. He along with Mohammad Rizwan who played very aggressively for his knock of 74 of just 58 balls. It helped Pakistan post a total of over 300 on board.
But all their efforts have gone in vain due to James Vince’s maiden hundred, as he scored 102 off 95 balls to take England to victory. England has always shown an aggressive approach towards their batting irrespective of what total they chase. This is the major factor that led England to chase big totals in recent times.
Ramiz Raja criticized the approach of the Pakistan team and highlighted that they fail to resist the pressure situations after committing numerous mistakes.
Ramiz Raja said that “An extremely painful and tough day for Pakistan cricket and its fans. The team has been whitewashed by a B-Grade England team. I’m not surprised by the results because it was on the cards. This team got mentally disintegrated. They couldn’t get over the shock of their defeat in the first ODI because the headlines were all over that a team, which was assembled within two days has beaten Pakistan”.
“They went under pressure after the loss and hence, committed mistakes. It has become a trend for this Pakistan team. It doesn’t learn from mistakes. Instead, they double it under pressure’’, Raja said.
The former cricketer and commentator further stressed the need for a change in Pakistan cricketing system, calling out Babar Azam to take responsibility.
“Babar Azam is a young captain and he would need to change the environment. He needs to understand that he won’t get headlines for scoring 150. It only happens if the team plays connectively and wins. Unless you take chances, get your skills challenged -how would you become a successful side?
“You saw the Zimbabwe series. It was an ideal opportunity to try the youngsters but that didn’t happen. The same old player played there. Babar needs to change this. Pakistan will face tougher situations in the future and his carer itself is shaping up. It all depends on a skipper how he changes the environment of the dressing room and tests the talent in his team”.
Former cricketer turned commentator finally concluded that “It’s time for a change. They need to change their mindset and experiment with new talents. For the sake of Pakistan cricket, think tank needs to make massive changes”.