A drought ends

After three long years, the Pakistan cricket team finally outplayed an opponent in an away test match. The run of eight tests without a win began against Australia in Perth - a 360-run evisceration that set the tone for the coming years - and ended halfway around the world at Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad on Wednesday. The team's form had been so bad that despite chasing a modest target of 75, more than a few fans were concerned for the initial overs of the chase. But it was fitting that captain Babar Azam was the man to score the winning runs - that too with consecutive sixes - after having been unceremoniously dismissed from the job a few years back, only to get it back after the ineptitude of his successor.

However, it is worth noting that even Babar's first test back in charge was an embarrassing defeat that should serve as a reminder that this is still arguably the 'losingest' team in Pakistan cricket's history. Pakistan crumbled to a 90-run defeat in Tarouba that exposed the fragile core of the team, and the reason why many long-time Pakistan cricket fans voice constant concern. While there were several stellar performances in the two tests - including by former captain Shan Masood - there were still too many inconsistent, careless and reckless showings. Unfortunately, these are traits that have always been associated with Pakistan cricket. The raw talent of the players was the only thing that provided the thinnest of veils. Even among our greatest generation of players, it is impossible to forget Inzamamul Haq's running, Shahid Afridi's impatience or Shoaib Akhtar's 'fitness', let alone infighting among greats such as Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, or Imran Khan and Javed Miandad.

While it is unrealistic to expect this team to instantly turn into world-beaters, players and management must focus on bringing in discipline and consistency, at least to the extent that there is still honour in defeat. After the win, Babar noted the importance of properly executing the team's plans. Even if that is all the team does against England, it will mean the beginning of a new era for Pakistan cricket.