Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has praised debutant Razaullah for his attacking display in the third Test against England. Akhtar highlighted the 21-year-old’s fearless approach and compared it with senior batter Babar Azam’s performance during Pakistan’s second innings at Edgbaston.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made major changes to the squad and coaching staff ahead of the final match. Razaullah’s aggressive lower-order knock gave Pakistan a much-needed boost on the third day. Batting at No. 9, the 21-year-old scored 81 runs off 63 balls, including four fours and nine sixes.
Shoaib Akhtar Lauds Razaullah, Questions Babar Azam’s Batting Intent
Speaking on the Outside EDGE show, Shoaib Akhtar highlighted the contrast between Razaullah and Babar Azam during Pakistan’s second innings at Edgbaston. Razaullah smashed eight of his nine maximums against fast bowlers, while Babar scored 76 off 103 balls, including one six.
“One of those two has played just one Test match, while another has played 70 Tests,” Akhtar said. “Just look at the intent, man! Look at how good the intent of the guy playing his first Test match is. What intent, man! Does he have any fear?
"And was it necessary for anyone to tell him, ‘Son, you have to save your spot in the team’? Nobody sent him out there saying that. He said, ‘I bowl fast, I bat well, I’ve come here to play fearlessly, I’ve come here to express myself, to take my place in the team… the spot will take care of itself automatically, I didn’t come here just to save my spot. If a guy playing in his first Test can show such intent why can’t those who have played 60-70 Tests for Pakistan?”
Shoaib Akhtar Backs PCB’s Bold Mid-Series Changes
Shoaib Akhtar also backed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to make seven changes to the squad during the England tour. While several former Pakistan cricketers criticised the move, the former pacer believes the overhaul was necessary to bring a new mindset into the team.
“It was a lack of intent that led to seven players being replaced, and in the coming days, they will replace seven more,” Akhtar stated. “I am giving you this guarantee because of the mindset I’ve seen first-hand. A lot of people said I’m advocating for the PCB, suggesting that maybe the PCB Chairman or Aaqib told me to say this. Nobody told me anything."
"I am sharing my belief based on the plan they presented to me. On that basis, I’m telling you that over the next 6 to 7 months—if not by the end of this year at the earliest—they will prepare roughly 300 to 400 players for you who will play with great intent, with an exciting intent. They will show you what Pakistan cricket is really all about, just like Razaullah showed you. This is just one example; the best is yet to come.”
Razaullah’s Fearless Knock Proves Shoaib Akhtar’s Point
Razaullah entered the game as one of the seven players brought into the Pakistan squad after the PCB made its mid-series changes. He scored 11 in the first innings before taking four wickets with the ball, including the key dismissal of Joe Root.
The 21-year-old then produced his best performance with the bat when Pakistan were 312/7 in the second innings. He attacked England’s pace bowlers and struck three consecutive sixes off Gus Atkinson in one over.
“I think they knew one thing for sure: that the players who were playing earlier couldn’t deliver, nor were they going to change their mindset,” Akhtar added. “They wanted to move forward with a new mindset, with young blood, and with players they know and have trained—players who will play the kind of cricket we actually need. There was a refusal to play that brand of cricket. So they replaced seven players.”
“Honestly speaking, the PCB vented their frustration, and it was totally justified. Their explanation made sense, and they did the right thing by deciding, ‘We need to send kids who go out there with courage and prove that we’re here to put up a fight. We haven’t come here to lose, score personal runs, or just save our spots.’ So I think it was a good call.”
Razaullah also equalled Tim Southee’s record for the most sixes by a batter on Test debut. Southee hit nine sixes during his unbeaten 77 against England at Napier in 2008.
