Pakistan suffered a humiliating 3-0 whitewash at the hands of England in the home Test series.
As a result, the Babar Azam-led side was subjected to an embarrassing 3-0 whitewash on home soil, a first of its kind for the team. This was also the first occasion that Pakistan have lost four successive Test matches at home.
During the course of the series, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam came under the scanner for his tactics and selection of the playing XI, but he responded to it with a strong reaction.
“Yes it was very disappointing for us and even for me as a captain because we couldn't apply ourselves. But the way England played, we should be appreciating that. We were also a bit unfortunate because our our main fast bowlers were not fit. There were a couple of debuts, they played well, but not execute in that fashion,” he said in the post-match presser after the third Test loss.
When asked about the criticism around his Test captaincy, Babar replied, “The second point which you mentioned, there is no such pressure. In fact, I enjoy that. And it does not affect my batting at all. It's been an honour. I always try to give my best for the country. Pahle Pakistan, baki sab cheezein baad mai (First comes Pakistan, then follows the rest).”
Last week, England took an unassailable 2-0 lead over Pakistan in the three-match Test series. While the Ben Stokes-led side won the opening Test in Rawalpindi by 74 runs, they defeated the home team by 26 runs in the second game in Multan.
Pakistan had a good chance of securing one of the first two spots in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings before the series. However, the humiliating series sweep has eliminated them from the race.