Despite a humiliating 360-run defeat to Australia in the opening Test, Pakistan team director, Mohammed Hafeez, is still upbeat. Pakistan now faces a difficult assignment in trying to end a 15-match losing record in Australia following the loss, which was tainted by a poor batting performance that saw them get bundled out for just 89 runs in the last innings.
Mohammed Hafeez conceded that Pakistan did not perform up to par in terms of their pre-game plans, blaming the loss on costly tactical mistakes.
Their troubles were reflected in the team’s batting collapse, which left them at a dangerous 17/3 within seven overs during the chase. Even after this defeat, Hafeez remained optimistic, saying they were sure they could overcome the strong Australian team at home.
“I’ve witnessed these individuals’ talent level during our preparation. They are undoubtedly capable of defeating Australia in this country. It is evident that we were unable to carry out that plan. We made preparations based on the existing plan. I still think that Pakistan can defeat Australia here in Australia as a team, but we have to use our skills when it counts, as Mohammed Hafeez stated, as reported by Cricbuzz.
“Our abilities were not up to par. Sadly, as a team, we were unable to carry out the plans that we had established for the group. To be honest, the boys never put in the effort, even though it was obvious they wanted to. We all made a few tactical mistakes together. We had the opportunity to rule in some circumstances. Although we were ready, our performance wasn’t very good,” he continued.
When playing away games, Cummins said, “You start questioning things.”
Reflecting on Pakistan’s difficult time in Perth, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins underlined the challenges of away Tests. Pakistan, down by a significant amount after the first inning, found it difficult to use the ball to exploit the difficult pitch conditions. In just 30 overs, their heroic attempt to reach a 450-run target ended in failure. Cummins described how mentally taxing it is for a cricket player to play in demanding conditions away from home.
“Traveling abroad has taught us that when unfamiliar conditions arise and, as a hitter, you don’t score runs, you begin to doubt things. When you don’t make a big impression as a bowler, you may start to focus a little more on your own game than you do at home. These are ideal conditions for us. These conditions are well known to us. That, in my opinion, is what makes competing and triumphing away from home so challenging “Cummins stated.
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