Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has strongly criticized the coaching staff surrounding Test captain Babar Azam, blaming them for the batter’s ongoing technical struggles. Yousuf said that “so-called coaches” have played a major role in Babar’s decline and Pakistan’s recent batting problems in Tests.
Pakistan were bowled out for just 110 in their first innings of the second Test at Lord’s. England then extended their lead to 357 runs after reaching 177/7 in their second innings on a rain-affected third day. Dan Lawrence remained unbeaten on 50, while Ollie Robinson was not out on two when bad light ended play.
Mohammad Yousuf Slams "Poison" Coaches Over Babar Azam's Technique
Mohammad Yousuf took to X to express his frustration following Pakistan's poor batting performance at Lord's. The former batter stated that the technical flaws exposed against Bangladesh and England could have been corrected years ago if the players had received proper guidance.
"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. If our cricketers don’t learn who to listen to, their careers will end far sooner than they should.
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."
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.
— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) August 30, 2026
These coaches are… pic.twitter.com/Go9kNc7abu
Babar Azam's Test Century Drought Reaches 36 Innings
Babar Azam has continued to struggle with deliveries outside the off stump. He came to the crease after openers Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique fell cheaply for one and five runs, respectively.
The former captain was expected to help rebuild the innings, but he lasted only 10 deliveries before Josh Tongue dismissed him for eight runs. Tongue targeted Babar Azam's weakness outside the off stump and forced an outside edge from a length delivery. Jordan Cox took the catch at third slip.
The dismissal extended Babar's Test century drought to 36 innings. His continued struggles in red-ball cricket have added pressure on Pakistan's middle order, which has found it difficult to cope with England's bowling attack.
Mohammad Abbas Shines as England Build Massive Lead
Pakistan were dismissed for 110 in 37.2 overs after England posted 290, giving the hosts a 180-run lead. Ollie Robinson was the pick of the England bowlers with 4/11, while Jofra Archer claimed three wickets and Josh Tongue took two.
Persistent rain delayed the start of England’s second innings, with the hosts eventually resuming at 81/3 after the entire morning session was lost. Mohammad Abbas struck early by removing Emilio Gay for 31 and later ended Harry Brook’s stay at the crease for 34.
Abbas then added Jamie Smith to his tally after the wicketkeeper-batter made seven. The experienced seamer finished with 3/48 from 18 overs, while Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali picked up two wickets apiece.
England moved to 177/7 before bad light brought an early end to the third day. Dan Lawrence completed his fifty and remained unbeaten on 50, with Ollie Robinson on two. Only 2.2 overs were possible in the final session.
