New Delhi: After a resounding defeat in the opening Test against Australia in Perth, Pakistan are focusing on the two-day tour match against the Victorian side to regroup and rebuild confidence, aiming to address shortcomings and fine-tune preparations ahead of the pivotal match. Boxing day test In Melbourne.
The first Test saw Pakistan lose by 360 runs, marking their 15th consecutive Test defeat on Australian soil. As they sought to adapt to the difficult conditions, the batsmen managed just 89 runs in the second innings.
The spotlight is now on the pace of the spearhead Shaheen Afridiwho is expected to rediscover his form and lead the bowling attack more effectively.
trainer Mohammad Hafeez He highlighted the need to improve skill execution, saying: “We made plans for the team, but unfortunately, we couldn’t implement them well. The guys wanted it, but they never applied themselves, to be very honest.”
The hastily arranged tour match at Junction Oval lacks first-class prestige but provides a crucial opportunity for the Pakistani batsmen to adapt to the conditions expected at the MCG. Facing several Australian players with Test experience in the Victorian XI will be invaluable for the visiting team.
“We were not able to execute our skills well,” coach Hafeez said. “We made plans for the team, but unfortunately, we couldn’t implement them well. That’s no excuse.”
The Pakistani selectors are taking solace in the availability of a specialist spinner, with Nauman Ali back in the mix after recovering from a cut finger. The team is keen to see better performance from senior players, including… Shan Masoud And Babar AzamTo avoid extending the losing streak to 16 in Melbourne.
Coach Hafeez remains optimistic, saying: “I saw during the preparation period how much talent these young men have. There is no doubt that they can beat Australia here in Australia.”
The tour match will serve as a crucial platform for Pakistan to regroup and face challenges ahead of the must-win Test in Melbourne.
(With inputs from Reuters)
The first Test saw Pakistan lose by 360 runs, marking their 15th consecutive Test defeat on Australian soil. As they sought to adapt to the difficult conditions, the batsmen managed just 89 runs in the second innings.
The spotlight is now on the pace of the spearhead Shaheen Afridiwho is expected to rediscover his form and lead the bowling attack more effectively.
trainer Mohammad Hafeez He highlighted the need to improve skill execution, saying: “We made plans for the team, but unfortunately, we couldn’t implement them well. The guys wanted it, but they never applied themselves, to be very honest.”
The hastily arranged tour match at Junction Oval lacks first-class prestige but provides a crucial opportunity for the Pakistani batsmen to adapt to the conditions expected at the MCG. Facing several Australian players with Test experience in the Victorian XI will be invaluable for the visiting team.
“We were not able to execute our skills well,” coach Hafeez said. “We made plans for the team, but unfortunately, we couldn’t implement them well. That’s no excuse.”
The Pakistani selectors are taking solace in the availability of a specialist spinner, with Nauman Ali back in the mix after recovering from a cut finger. The team is keen to see better performance from senior players, including… Shan Masoud And Babar AzamTo avoid extending the losing streak to 16 in Melbourne.
Coach Hafeez remains optimistic, saying: “I saw during the preparation period how much talent these young men have. There is no doubt that they can beat Australia here in Australia.”
The tour match will serve as a crucial platform for Pakistan to regroup and face challenges ahead of the must-win Test in Melbourne.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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