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On Sunday, August 25, Pakistan suffered a humiliating 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the opening Test of the two-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. While it was arguably Pakistan’s worst defeat in the history of Test cricket, it was also their first 10-wicket defeat at their home, including the Test matches in UAE.
After this embarrassing loss, former Pakistan captain and former Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took to his YouTube channel to lambast at the Shan Masood-led side. Although, he did painted unique ‘India angle’ behind the team’s defeat as he claimed that it all started when Team India thrashed Pakistani bowlers in the Asia Cup.
“Firstly, there was a mistake in team selection. You were without a spinner. Secondly, the fast-bowling reputation has finished. The debacle started during the Asia Cup. The confidence crisis in this bowling lineup, especially in fast bowling, started from the match against India. Our fast bowlers were thrashed in seaming conditions. Then the entire world figured out that if they are attacked, this bowling attack is not of the same standard as its reputation," Ramiz Raja said in a video on his YouTube channel.
"Everyone's speed has gone down and the skill level is not there. The Bangladesh fast bowlers looked more penetrative. Our bowlers are mostly looking to enjoy or create drama after picking up a wicket rather than create their reputation through performance," he added.
He is not Mike Brearley: Ramiz Raja lashes out at Test skipper Shan Masood
Not only did the former Pakistan captain, Ramiz Raja lash out at the Pakistan bowling attack, he also brutally hit out at the Test skipper, Shan Masood for his poor on-field decisions. "Shan Masood needs to first bat well and then show his knowledge of the game a little because he is decently experienced as far as captaincy is concerned. He captains in county cricket and has captained his team in the PSL," the 62-year-old said.
“Firstly, he has to take the correct direction. It was a massive fault from the selection point of view. His batting has gone down. He is not Mike Brearley or a great captain that he will continue to have a place even if he keeps scoring zero,” he further continued.
Raja also had a few words for the white-ball skipper, Babar Azam, who had a rather poor outing in the opening Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. "Similarly, Babar Azam needs to up his game. I feel he has a lot of potential in Test cricket at No. 4 because the sideways movement is finished and then you get good batting conditions. However, what can he do if such an atmosphere has been created," Raja concluded.
