ENG v PAK 2020: Shoaib Akhtar calls Pakistan a club team; slams ordinary show in third Test

Pakistan got bowled out for 273 after England declared their first innings on 583/8.

By Salman Anjum - 24 Aug, 2020

Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar lashed out at the Pakistan cricket team for their abysmal performance in the ongoing third Test against England at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

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The visitors looked to be in control for much of the first two sessions on Day 1 before Zak Crawley (267) and Jos Buttler (152) wreaked havoc on them with a 359-run stand for the fifth wicket.

"I have seen the attitude of aggressive bowlers, they have the intent of taking wickets. I do not know what is being taught to the current bowlers of Pakistan. There is no method, Naseem Shah keeps on bowling at just one area, there are no slower balls or bouncers," Akhtar said on his Youtube channel.

"I don't know why there is a lack of aggression, we are not net bowlers, we are playing Test matches," he added.

"Our players do not understand that when you do not have the right mindset, you would not succeed. Pakistan looked like a very ordinary team, the way we are playing, it is looking like we will face our biggest defeat on foreign soil since 2006," he continued.

Pakistan were left reeling at 24/3 at stumps on Day 2 after England declared their first innings on 583/8. Veteran pacer James Anderson claimed all the three wickets. Shan Masood (4), Abid Ali (1) and Babar Azam (11) were his victims.

In a tweet, Akhtar also questioned the team's decision to send in Babar towards the end of the second day instead of a nightwatchman.

He further remarked that Pakistan played like a club team in the final Test.

"It is a very embarrassing performance from Pakistan, I was very hopeful of our side performing well in the series. Pakistan is looking like a club team. Crawley was set for scoring 300 but fortunately he was dismissed," Shoaib said.

Coming to the match, Pakistan got bowled out for 273 in their first innings at stumps on Day 3, trailing the home team by 310 runs. Skipper Azhar Ali was the top scorer with 141 not out, while wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan made 53.

By Salman Anjum - 24 Aug, 2020

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