AUS v PAK 2023-24: “Intent and technique both missing”- Ramiz Raja slams Pakistan after 360-run defeat in 1st Test

Pakistan suffered a 360-run loss in 1st Test in Perth against Australia.

Babar Azam managed only 21 and 14 runs in Perth Test defeat  |GettyFormer PCB chairman Ramiz Raja was highly critical of Pakistan's performance after their humiliating defeat of 360 runs at the hands of Australia in the first Test in Perth on December 17.

Australia had asked Pakistan to chase 450 runs to win the Test in two days. But the Pakistani batting collapsed under the pressure by some excellent Australian bowling. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins relentlessly targeted the visitors, who struggled to cope on a challenging pitch that offered variable bounce and movement.

Saud Shakeel (24), Babar Azam (14) and Imam Ul Haq (10) were the main scorers in the sorry Pakistani innings. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood picked three wickets each, while Lyon took 2/14. Nathan Lyon completed 500 wickets in Tests as well.

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This marked a continuation of Pakistan's losing streak in Australia, which has now extended to 15 Tests without a win since their last victory in 1995-96. Pakistan's batting order crumbled under pressure, with the middle-order collapsing for just 14 runs in less than five overs.

Shan Masood-led side’s performance was criticized by not only fans, but former players were disappointed as well. 

Taking to X, the former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja said that intent and technique was missing from Pakistan's 'resistance menu' in Perth and said that being bundled out in 31 overs was disappointing.

"Intent and technique were both missing from Pak’s ‘resistance menu’. Blown away in just 31overs in the second knock was disappointing. Aussies were on another level" said Raja on X.

 

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 17 Dec, 2023

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