Srinagar: Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar had slammed Pakistan team for lack of courageous mindset after defeat in first Test in Rawalpindi against England.
Akhtar said that Pakistan at no point of time showed any intent of winning while England always wanted result out of the Test.
“Pakistan did not even take the chance which were availed to them. England gave them a chance to save the Test match but Pakistan did not take it. There’s a difference in mindset. The situation where England declared yesterday, would Pakistan have done the same? They wouldn’t have. Their coach McCullam said that they’ll play a run a ball in Test cricket,” said Shoaib Akhtar while speaking on his YouTube channel.
“They won’t go for draws. Joe Root said they want to save Test Cricket. . Where are you heading with this mindset? I was there and felt sad by the approach. You can’t play with lack of courage.”
“It’s very disappointing. England made the effort to make this Test match interesting. They gave Pakistan a chance to avoid a draw. You (Pakistan) play well and win. 350 in this wicket is not a big deal. You have already scored 150. I did not see any intent or capability. No disrespect to the youngsters. Naseem Shah, you played well. But England deserve to win. No questions about it,” Akhtar said.
Akhtar also lashed out at PCB Chair main Ramiz Raja for his comments.
“Chairman himself saying we should have made a better wicket and England batted well. Brother, you are the chairman; you have the authority to make better pitches,” he added.