Pakistan’s Test cricket crisis deepened further at Edgbaston as they were bowled out for just 133 in the first innings of the third Test against England, leaving them in danger of suffering a 3-0 series whitewash.
Already trailing 2-0, Pakistan needed a strong batting performance to keep the series alive. Instead, their top order collapsed once again. They slipped to 26 for four before Saud Shakeel provided some resistance with 43. Mohammad Abbas added 21, but England’s bowlers otherwise remained firmly in control.
Wasim Akram’s Warning Rings True
The latest collapse has given fresh relevance to Wasim Akram’s earlier assessment of Pakistan’s struggles. The former Pakistan captain had admitted before the series that he expected England to complete a clean sweep.
“I knew before the series we were going to lose 3-0 to England.”
Akram was particularly critical of Pakistan’s performances across all three departments, delivering a blunt assessment of the team’s current state.
“Our batting is struggling, our bowling is below average and our fielding is worse. It’s not rocket science.”
His comments have now taken on greater significance after Pakistan failed to build a competitive first-innings total despite making several changes to their XI.
Akram Blames Deeper Problems
The legendary fast bowler believes Pakistan’s problems extend well beyond the current squad. According to Akram, repeatedly changing players and coaches will not solve the underlying issues.
“The issues are a lot deeper. These are the top players, there’s nothing else there. The systems aren’t there below that.”
He also pointed towards problems within Pakistan’s domestic first-class structure, stressing the need for greater consistency and patience in developing players.
Pakistan’s latest collapse is another reminder of how far they have fallen since reaching the top of the Test rankings in 2016. With England firmly in control at Edgbaston, Akram’s concerns about the state of Pakistan cricket have once again come into sharp focus.
For More Updates on the England vs Pakistan 3rd Test
