Pakistan players’ attitude raises concern

Babar’s fitness remains uncertain ahead of Lord’s Test

KARACHI: Pakistani cricketers, seemingly accustomed to defeats, have become 'grief-proof'. Despite being in a poor position in the closing stages of the first Test against England, they were seen laughing and smiling. Sources say that even after the match, their attitude did not reflect any visible disappointment. This attitude was considered more concerning than the defeat itself. The management is now trying to boost the players’ morale ahead of the second Test.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam’s participation in the Lord’s Test also appears uncertain. He has not taken part in net practice for the past four days, and swelling in his finger persists.

Pakistan were whipped by England by an innings and 103 runs in Headingley inside three days. England recorded their seventh successive victory at Leeds. The second Test will begin at Lord’s on Thursday.

In the first match, Pakistan’s fast bowlers failed to capitalize on conditions that were favorable for bowling. Only left-arm spinner Ali Usman clicked, taking five wickets in the second innings, his maiden five-for. The bowling performances of Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali were disappointing. Pakistan also missed opportunities on the field, while the batting line-up failed badly in both innings. Pakistan posted just 171 and 135.

During the team’s difficult position, players were seen remaining relaxed and joking around in the dressing room, something that was noticed by everyone. Sources say that even after the match, the players’ demeanour did not suggest that they were particularly upset by the defeat. This is considered the most worrying aspect for the officials.

Failures have apparently become routine for the team, and the players seemed to have expected a similar outcome at Headingley. The team management is now attempting to build the players’ confidence before the Lord’s Test and convince them that they are capable of producing good performances.

Meanwhile, concerns over captain Babar Azam’s fitness have not eased. He has still not recovered from his finger injury, with the swelling persisting. He has not practised for the past four days. With a few days remaining before the second Test, his fitness will continue to be monitored. The decision regarding his participation in the match will be his own.

In Babar’s absence, Pakistan faced difficulties not only in batting but also in captaincy. Salman Ali Agha was unsuccessful in the role as well, and questions have been raised over some of his decisions. He also failed with the bat.

After the first Test ended on the third day, the players rested yesterday. They are scheduled to travel from Leeds to London on Monday. The Pakistani team will practice on Tuesday from 9:30 am to 12:30pm, while Wednesday’s session is scheduled from 1:30 pm. to 4:30 pm.

It is worth mentioning that the Green-shirts are currently ninth and last in the ICC World Test Championship standings. After suffering eight consecutive offshore defeats, the team recently won the first Test against the West Indies. Performances on home soil have also been disappointing in recent years.