PAK vs AUS: 'Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis Knew Not To Trust Fielders' - Ian Chappell's Dig At Pakistan

Legendary cricketer Ian Chappell criticized Pakistan’s sloppy fielding during the ongoing three-match series in Australia. Ian Chappell pointed out that legendary pacers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis heavily relied on LBW and bowled dismissals, indicating a lack of trust in the fielders.

Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique’s fielding struggles were evident in the ongoing Test series against Australia, characterized by numerous dropped catches. Shafique missed a chance off Usman Khawaja on the first day of the series opener at the Optus Stadium.

In the Boxing Day Test, he also spilled a chance from David Warner in the first innings. The most significant blunder happened in the second innings when Shafique granted a reprieve to Mitchell Marsh on 20, allowing the batter to go on and score a match-winning 96.

That’s An Outrageously High Figure – Ian Chappell

“At one point in their career the excellent Pakistan pace duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis had claimed 60% of their Test and ODI wickets bowled or lbw. That’s an outrageously high figure and suggests the two fast bowlers knew not to trust their own fielders,” Chappell wrote.

“With the great improvement in modern bats, it’s not so much how you bowl – Test bowlers are skilful – but how you perform when a good batter is attacking. That’s when the best bowlers come to the fore,” he added.

Wickets Are Important – Ian Chappell

Chappell emphasized the common mindset of Dennis Lillee and Pat Cummins, both fueled by an unwavering determination to dismiss batters. Chappell noted that Lillee and Cummins, who prioritize taking wickets over the process, pose a formidable challenge for batters.

“Wickets are important. Just ask Cummins. One of Lillee’s great traits was that a batter had to overcome his enormous skill first, which was no easy feat. However, if he achieved that difficult task, he still had to outlast his iron will, which took a monumental effort,” Ian Chappell added.

“On those hot, demanding days, give me a Lillee- or a Cummins-style character who cares only about not giving in and taking wickets rather than how the process feels. That’s why great fast bowlers like Lillee and Cummins are a captain’s dream and a batter’s nightmare,” he further stated.

Pat Cummins secured his second 10-wicket match haul, playing a pivotal role in Australia’s victory over Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test. Cummins picked up five wickets for 48 runs in the first innings, followed by an equally impressive 5-48 in the second innings.

Australia have commenced their home season impressively, securing two consecutive victories against Pakistan. The defending champions of the World Test Championship (WTC) have started the new cycle on a strong note. They will aim to accumulate further points in the upcoming weeks with three remaining Tests on home soil.

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