Former head coach Waqar Younis on Monday tweeted the reason for Pakistan’s eight-wicket loss to New Zealand in the first of the two-match Test series in Christchurch.
According to the 45-year-old, Pakistan’s problem on the seaming and bouncing Hagley Oval pitch was not lack of skill but the shortage of temperament.
In his tweet he suggested the team management to understand the real reasons behind what went wrong during the first match. The bowling legend then suggested players to take a look back at the England series where Pakistan were able to draw the four-match Test series 2-2.Pakistan, after being sent in to bat first, were bundled out cheaply for 133 courtesy debutant Colin de Grandhomme’s six-for in Christchurch.
Misbah’s bowlers were able to bring Pakistan back into contention after they bowled the hosts out for 200 but the batting line-up once again failed to inspire the team and could manage only 171 in their second innings, setting an easy target of 105 runs for the Kiwis.
The Black Caps chased the target in 31.3 overs for the loss of two wickets courtesy captain Kane Williamson’s 61 off 77 balls.
Azhar, who will be the stand-in captain for the second Test which will start from Friday in Hamilton, opened up about his side’s problem facing short-pitched deliveries.
Speaking after the match, the 31-year-old said that Pakistan are still working on their ability to handle short balls, but they require time to do that.
“If you come to this part of the world, you do expect that [short-pitched deliveries],” said Azhar. “You expect teams from subcontinent to be tested with that short stuff and we all knew that. But as time goes on, we’ll get better, and we’re hopeful to turn things around quickly.”
