Pakistan lost the Headingley Test by an innings and 103 runs inside three days.
Pakistan suffered an innings-and-103-run defeat in the first Test against England at Headingley. This loss added to a tough away-Test run for the team, marking their ninth defeat in last 10 overseas matches.
Subsequently, former England pacer Stuart Broad branded Pakistan a "poor side" and predicted a comfortable 3-0 series win for the home team. The English media amplified the narrative, with some analysts calling it the 'worst' touring Pakistan side in five decades.
Amid the severe scrutiny, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has hit back at the British media, pointing out that Pakistan field a fully homegrown team rather than a multi-national squad, referring to the composition of England’s lineup.
Butt stated that Pakistan never claimed to be world champions or a dominant force, thus, harsh criticism from the press was unnecessary.
“We never said we were world champions. We never claimed to be a big team, nor did we boast about ourselves,” Butt said in a viral social media clip. “What do you think of yourself? What kind of things do you say? Phases come in teams. Teams might not play well.”
Butt then took a dig at England's team makeup, citing that they operate more like a "Commonwealth team" with players from various backgrounds rather than a purely native squad.
“At least no matter how our team is, even if it's the worst ever, it's our own,” he added. “It's not from a Commonwealth, with the captain from Ireland, the wicket-keeper from South Africa... one guy from Scotland, one guy Australian, and one guy from the West Indies. This isn't six nations playing as a team.”
Coming to the Leeds Test, England hammered Pakistan inside three days to gain a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Invited to bat first, Pakistan’s first innings folded for just 171 runs in 48.1 overs on Day 1. Abdullah Shafique top-scored with 61. England's Josh Tongue ripped through the lineup with brilliant figures of 5/46.
In reply, England posted a commanding 409 runs to secure a massive 238-run lead. Harry Brook top-scored with a blistering 91 off 93 balls, supported by fifties from Jordan Cox (73), Joe Root (66), and Dan Lawrence (51). Pakistan's debutant spinner Ali Usman was a lone bright spot, taking 5/95.
Pakistan's batting woes deepened as they were bowled out for just 135 in their second innings. Jofra Archer (3/50), Ollie Robinson (3/29) and Josh Tongue (3/43) shared nine wickets among them.
The second between the two teams will be played at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground from Thursday (August 27).