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The recent Multan Test match between Pakistan and England has sparked a wave of intense criticism and disappointment, particularly from former players. Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat, marking their sixth consecutive Test loss, which has led to a scathing assessment of the team's performance and a bleak outlook for the future of Pakistani cricket.
The primary target of this critique has been the team's batting lineup. While England amassed an impressive 823 runs in their first innings, Pakistan managed only 556 runs in response, highlighting a glaring lack of consistency and competence in the batting department. This has been a recurring problem for Pakistan in recent years, and the inability to score consistently in Test matches has been a major contributing factor to their string of defeats.
The team's bowling attack hasn't fared much better. While some critics attribute the struggles to the supposedly 'lifeless' nature of the Multan pitch, others argue that the Pakistani bowlers have lacked the necessary skill and aggression to take wickets. Notably, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has been highly critical of the team's bowling performance. In a scathing YouTube video, Kaneria questioned the quality of the bowlers, lamenting the absence of pace and reverse swing, questioning the effectiveness of the spinners, and even going as far as to say that the bowlers have 'died'.
However, Kaneria's criticism didn't stop there. He also directed his anger at star batsman Babar Azam, who according to Kaneria, failed to capitalize on the batting-friendly conditions and made England's bowlers look world-class. Kaneria's frustration is palpable as he expresses his deep concern over the current state of Pakistan cricket. He views the team's performance in Multan as a symbol of decay and believes the team has been reduced to a 'global mockery'.
This defeat has not only raised questions about the team's ability to compete at the international level but has also sparked debates about the future of Pakistan cricket. Some believe that a complete overhaul of the team is necessary, with a focus on identifying and nurturing young talent. Others argue that the current players need to be given more time and support to turn their fortunes around. However, one thing is clear: Pakistan's cricket team is at a crossroads, and it remains to be seen whether they can find a way to regain their former glory.