AUS vs PAK: After Blaming Umpires And Technology, Mohammad Hafeez Lists New Excuse Behind Pakistan's Failure In Australia

Former Pakistan Batter Mohammad Hafeez, who is currently serving as the Team Director of Pakistan, reasoned that less time in Australian conditions before the beginning of the 3-match Test series at the Land Down Under is the main reason why the team was not able to perform at their best.

In a meeting called by the head of the PCB management committee Zaka Ashraf in which CEO Salman Naseer and Test Captain Shan Massod were also present, Mohammad Hafeez conveyed his message that the team should have been sent to Australia at least 3 weeks before the 1st Test at Perth.

Mohammad Hafeez claimed that if that had been done, the results would have come in Pakistan’s favor or they could have reached closer to victory, to say the least. Before the series started, Hafeez had claimed that Pakistan were not just trying to compete but was here to win, however, all that talk was shushed off by Pat Cummins and his World Champion side.

Under the captaincy of Shan Masood, Pakistan succumbed to an embarrassing 360-run loss in the 1st Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium. The visitors after a decent 2nd inning, underwent a dramatic collapse with the bat while trying to chase down 450 runs. Pakistan were all out for just 89 runs which is also their worst-ever performance in a Test match.

In the 2nd Boxing Day test at the iconic MCG, Pakistan looked like an improved side but still had to endure a 79-run loss by the 3rd session of Day 4. The 2nd Test loss meant that Pakistan will have to return home with yet another series loss at Australia, something that has never been done before.

“Pride” is what Pakistan will play for in the 3rd Test at Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3rd. But they won’t find it any easier and they cannot expect the hosts to slow down at all. It will be David Warner’s farewell test match and the 37-year-old will look to punish Pakistani bowlers just like he did in the 1st Test, scoring 164 off 211 balls.

Mohammad Hafeez Demands For Improved Domestic Cricket Set-Up

In the same meeting, Mohammad Hafeez not only asked Zaka Ashraf to ensure sending the team abroad 3-4 weeks before any tour but also demanded an improved Domestic structure. Domestic cricket serves as the backbone of a team’s success as local and homegrown players are the ones who represent their nation in the future.

Captain Shan Masood spoke to the management about some of the players not yet receiving due payments from their domestic matches and asked to resolve this issue as soon as possible. Problems related to payments, obviously demotivate a player and it directly affects the team’s performances and results.

Mohammad Hafeez having experienced what it is like to be a Pakistani cricketer will know the problems of players and as the Team Director, he can help them solve it. As Pakistan goes through a transitional phase, results will soon come their way if they keep their consistency intact.

After the Test series against Australia, the Men in Green will head to New Zealand for a 5-match T20I series from 12 January onwards.