Poor body language cost Pakistan, says Mohsin Khan

Former head coach says team's defensive approach meant a dramatic collapse was always on the cards

KARACHI: Australia sealed the Test series against Pakistan with a stunning innings and 18 runs win in the Boxing Day Test, shattering the visitors' hopes of a maiden series triumph Down Under.

Already trailing the three-Test series 1-0, Pakistan started the second Test positively and piled up 443 runs in their first innings, thanks to opener Azhar Ali’s unbeaten 205 — the first double century by a Pakistani in Australia.

But the bowlers failed to capitalise on that good start and allowed Australia to score freely in their innings, which saw the hosts amass 624-8 and secure a massive 181-run lead.

The Baggy Greens then bowled out Misbahul Haq’s men for 163 within a couple of sessions on the final day of the Test, something former cricketer Mohsin Khan says was always on the card after what had happened a day earlier.

“I was afraid that if we concede a lead of over 150 runs we may collapse in the fourth innings and this is exactly what happened. I sensed it because the body language of our players was not positive. The approach wasn’t changed [after the loss in Brisbane] and they were just looking to defend," Mohsin told The Express Tribune.

“We haven’t seen that killer instinct, proper planning and determination from the team and we paid for it. It’s was a very disappointing performance.”

Mohsin, who has held several positions within the PCB over the years, further said that Pakistan missed a golden opportunity to seal their maiden Test series in Australia.

“This was one of the weakest Australian teams, while we had a pretty balanced squad and it’s unfortunate that we failed to make that advantage count.”

Mohsin blamed Pakistan's bowling for allowing Australia to make a comeback in the match after a good first innings total by Pakistan.

“Azhar Ali’s double century was outstanding but the bowlers ruined his efforts. The Pakistan bowlers did not bowl aggressively and their line and length was poor, which was the turning point in the match," he said.

“The Australian pace unit wasn’t world class either, but they stuck to their plan and bowled with attacking line and length. That strategy was missing from our bowlers”

Pakistan have now lost five consecutive Tests — defeat against the West Indies in Sharjah, a 2-0 series defeat in New Zealand before back-to-back losses in Brisbane and the MCG. However, Mohsin doesn't feel that the poor run of results warrants wholesale changes in the squad.

“This team has the potential. We only need some attitude adjustments. The boys need to liberate themselves from this fear of losing and regain confidence. If we continue with the same attitude, the changes won't matter.”

Mohsin then backed discarded fast-bowler Junaid Khan for a return to the squad.

“Junaid is a very dedicated cricketer," he said. "He doesn’t deserve the treatment he is receiving these days. I would also prefer a genuine opener in the squad.”