Pakistan Cricket Team Rocked by Mass Sacking: Country’s Reputation Takes a Beating on British Soil
Karachi/London: In the aftermath of Pakistan’s crushing defeat in the second successive Test in England, which gave the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken unprecedented and shocking steps. Notably, the PCB has recalled nearly half of the players from the Pakistan Test squad that it had sent to England.
Following the 194-run defeat at Lord’s, the PCB has removed Test team head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul from their positions. They will now work only under the supervision of Mike Hesson, the head coach of Pakistan’s ODI and T20 teams, for the third Test.
The PCB has also released three senior players Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and former captain Salman Ali Agha from the squad, along with Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.
Not stopping there, the Pakistan Cricket Board has recalled two experienced players, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, to the squad and has immediately sent five new players to England. The new arrivals include Razaullah Khan, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran, Arafat Minhas and Rohail Nazir.
Pakistan have made major changes to their squad in the past as well, but this is reportedly the first time such large-scale changes have been made midway through a series after the team has already lost the series.
How did Pakistan lose the second Test?
Pakistan had suffered an innings-and-103-run defeat in the first Test against England. On Sunday night, they went down by 194 runs in the second Test.
After England scored 290 in the first innings, Pakistan were bowled out for just 110. England then made 208 in the second innings to set Pakistan a daunting target of 389 runs.
Despite Saud Shakeel’s fighting 97, Pakistan were bowled out for only 194, suffering a 194-run defeat and conceding an unassailable 2-0 lead to England in the three-match series.
Babar Flops in Both Innings
Babar Azam had missed the first Test because of injury, but made a disappointing return in the second Test. He managed only eight runs in the first innings and six in the second.
Robinson Wins Award for Second Straight Test
England’s fast bowlers once again dominated the second Test. Ollie Robinson took four wickets, Josh Tongue claimed three and Jofra Archer picked up two.
Robinson was named Player of the Match for the second consecutive Test, underlining his decisive impact in England’s back-to-back victories.