BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has acknowledged that the team failed to perform well across all three departments batting, bowling and fielding in the previous Test, which contributed to an unsatisfactory result.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Birmingham, Babar said the team would naturally face criticism if it failed to perform and produce the desired results.
“We did not perform well as a team in the last Test in batting, bowling or fielding,” Babar said, adding that the results therefore did not meet expectations.
He said Pakistan had selected what they believed was the best possible playing XI according to the conditions for the Lord’s Test, but the team could not get the desired outcome. Babar added that there was no difficulty in finalising the playing XI for the upcoming match.
Addressing Pakistan’s emerging players, the captain said the tour presented them with a valuable opportunity to establish themselves and showcase their abilities.
“New players have a golden opportunity to make a name for themselves and demonstrate their talent,” he said, stressing that players must perform in whichever format they represent.
Babar also expressed confidence ahead of the upcoming Test at Edgbaston, saying the Birmingham venue had been a fortunate ground for him in the past. He hoped Pakistan would deliver a strong performance in the match.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has launched an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning the conduct and behaviour of members of the Pakistan squad currently touring England.
PCB Media Director Aamir Mir said in a social media statement that the board had initiated an internal disciplinary investigation after reports regarding discipline and conduct emerged.
According to Mir, the PCB routinely deals with such matters under its established procedures, and the investigation is being conducted in accordance with the board’s regulations. He added that all relevant individuals were being duly considered as part of the process.
