Pakistan did not make good use of new ball, says Azhar Mahmood

Former all-rounder believes that failing to capitalise on 103-run lead proved fatal for the visitors

Pakistan assistant coach Azhar Mahmood said on Wednesday that Pakistani bowlers failed to make the most of the new ball during the third Test against England at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, which is one of the main reasons why the visitors currently trail the series 2-1.

Writing in a blog on PakPassion.net, the former Pakistan all-rounder said, “Collectively, as a bowling unit, Pakistan did not make good use of the new ball on that crucial third day of the Edgbaston Test and the 103-run lead was wiped out in no time.”

The 41-year-old elaborated that in cricket it is important to form partnerships, be it in batting or bowling. However, Pakistani bowlers were unable to build those partnerships. “If you recall during the third Test, there was a period on the fourth day where the run-rate was held down due to some excellent bowling, but we were unable to continue applying pressure in that fashion which allowed England to build a decisive lead,” he wrote.



Mahmood was recently offered the position of bowling coach of the national team, which also includes duties of the assistant coach. Prior to this, he was appointed bowling coach on a short-term basis for the World T20 in India, where Pakistan performed poorly which resulted in many changes to the team and management.

Talking about left-arm pacers Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz, the former all-rounder defended their performances, stating that expectations from the duo were wrong since they were up against a tough English batting line-up.

“I also see no reason why we should feel disappointed or let down by Amir because he wasn’t going up against ordinary batsmen,” he said.



“We had the likes of Joe Root along with Alastair Cook and to expect Amir to single-handedly destroy this type of a batting line-up would have been a completely unrealistic expectation.

“Similarly, Wahab was expected to come and blow away the opposition with his raw pace, however at this level of cricket, it’s more about getting swing to help get results, not simply about speed.”

Pakistan are set to play their fourth and final Test against England today at The Oval, before moving to the limited-over leg of the tour.