Wasim Akram Slams Azhar Ali After Pakistan's Three-Wicket Loss To England

Legendary pacer Wasim Akram has slammed Pakistan captain Azhar Ali after the team’s three-wicket loss to England in the first Test on Saturday. The hosts fought back in style to clinch a stunning win in Manchester, led by a brilliant 139-run stand between Jos Buttler (75) and Chris Woakes (84no) which took the game away from the visitors.

After taking a 107 run lead and setting England a target of 277, Pakistan were looking set to win the game when they reduced the home side to 117 for 5. However, the Pakistan bowlers had no answer to Woakes and Buttler’s stunning counterattack as the England stars scored quick fifties to take their team home in style.

Speaking about the defeat, Wasim Akram said it would hurt the team as well as the fans. He then criticised Azhar, saying that the skipper missed a trick a number of times in the Test. The former Pakistan great was also critical of the team’s plans for Woakes when the England allrounder came out to bat.

“It will hurt,” Wasim Akram said on Pakistan’s defeat. “It will hurt the Pakistan team and the cricket lovers in Pakistan.

“Winning and losing is part of cricket, but I think our captain missed a trick quite a few times in this game, as far as his leadership is concerned.

“When Woakes came in, there were no bouncers, no short deliveries, they let him settle down and runs were coming easy.

“Once the partnership got going, nothing happened – the turn didn’t happen, swing didn’t happen – and Buttler and Woakes just took the game away,” he added.

Pakistan have now lost seven Test in a row outside UAE and Pakistan. They will have to draw or win the next Test to keep the series alive. They had drawn their previous two series in England and will be taking inspiration from them.

Also Read: I Give Credit To The Partnership Between Woakes And Buttler- Azhar Ali After Pakistan’s Three-Wicket Defeat

Also Read: Chris Woakes Hails Jos Buttler After Winning The Man Of The Match Award