Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammed Yousaf has criticised Pakistan coaches for neglecting to address technical weaknesses in the team’s batters, stating that these flaws have been “brutally exposed from Bangladesh to England” and have left Pakistan cricket “vulnerable and struggling” on the international stage.
Pakistan currently face the prospect of a series defeat against England, having lost three wickets by lunch on day four of the Lord’s Test while chasing 389 runs. Notable dismissals included captain Babar Azam, who was bowled by Jofra Archer for a single-digit score, and Abdullah Shafique, who was outplayed by Ollie Robinson’s bowling.
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On the social media platform X, Yousaf, who scored 7,530 Test runs in 90 matches including 24 centuries, criticised the coaching staff for not allowing Babar and other players to work on issues that could have been resolved. He warned that if players do not learn whom to listen to, their careers could end prematurely. He said, “Few years ago I warned about this, but unfortunately some so-called coaches around #Babarazam & other players didn’t allow him to work on issues that could have been easily resolved. That failure has dragged Pakistan cricket into the decline we see today. These coaches are poison for the game. They lack vision, they block progress, and they misguide even the most talented players.”
He added, The poor technique of our players
He added, “The poor technique of our players has now been brutally exposed from Bangladesh to England. What could have been corrected years ago has instead become a glaring weakness, leaving Pakistan cricket vulnerable and struggling on the international stage. #EngvPak #nasserhussain.”
At the end of the first session on day four at Lord’s, Pakistan were 53 for three, chasing 389 runs to level the series. Pakistan had won the toss and elected to bowl first, dismissing England for 290. Key performances included fifties from Jamie Smith (61) and Jordan Cox (55), while Mohammed Abbas (4 for 73) and Mohammad Ali (3 for 86) were the leading wicket-takers.
In their first innings, Pakistan were dismissed for 110, with Azan Awais top-scoring at 46. England’s Ollie Robinson (4 for 11) and Jofra Archer (3 for 26) produced impressive bowling spells. England led by 180 runs after the first innings.
Though Mohammed Abbas took a five-wicket haul
Though Mohammed Abbas took a five-wicket haul in the second innings, England scored 208 runs, highlighted by a half-century from Dan Lawrence (54). England’s lead extended to 388, setting Pakistan a target of 389 to draw the series.
Since 2024, Pakistan have played 17 Tests, winning only five. This includes a home series loss to Bangladesh and their first-ever series defeat to Bangladesh away in 2026. The team has also struggled at home, securing only one series win since 2024, which was a comeback victory against England.
Pakistan currently sit at the bottom of the World Test Championship 2025-27 standings, with two wins and five losses. They previously finished last in the 2025-29 cycle with five wins and nine losses.
Source: thenewsmill.com
