Former Pakistan cricketer-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja has on Thursday (August 27) lashed out at the Azhar Ali-led Test team, especially the senior players, after they suffered a 0-1 defeat in the recently concluded three-match Test series against England.
He also questioned the Pakistan team management's “hesitance” in bringing up new players into the squad after the team’s third consecutive Test series defeat in South Africa, Australia, and now England.
Following the defeat, Raja suggested that “experimentation” and “ruthless strong decisions” are the only way to resolve Pakistan’s overseas struggles in the longest format of the game while launching attacks at the senior players by asking them what is their role in the team.
Raja said on his YouTube channel, “There are problems in the Pakistan camp, not just of late but from a while now as far as away tours are concerned. This year we lost to South Africa, Australia and now England. We compete in the first Test but progressively our form tapers off as the series progresses.”
The former captain further added, “What is the role of senior players? Will they keep on failing and will we still keep playing them? Why are we hesitant to bring in new players, especially batsmen? Decision making has to be strong. Experimentation and the ruthless strong decision is the only way up.”
Meanwhile, Raja also lauded England fast bowler James Anderson after becoming the first pacer to reach the 600 Test wickets mark.
Raja signed off by saying, “James Anderson got his 600th wicket by dismissing Azhar Ali and became the first fast bowler to reach 600 Test wickets. His performance is like someone who has successfully climbed Mount Everest. James Anderson gave respect to Test cricket and thus he got respect in return. He wanted to become a great Test player and so he became.”
Noteworthy, England and Pakistan will play three-match T20 series against England starting from August 28th at The Ages Bowl.
