PAK vs ENG: 'Our bowlers didn't bowl according to plan,' says Saqlain Mushtaq

Pakistan's head coach Saqlain Mushtaq blamed bowlers for poor performance on day 1 of the opening Test against England in Rawalpindi. 

With an inexperienced Test bowling lineup, Pakistan had a frustrating day at the office. England smashed a record-breaking 506-4 at stumps on the first day. 

"Our bowlers didn't bowl according to the plan," said Saqlain while speaking to reporters after day 1 ended. 

"Pitch was also not favoring us. But, credit also goes to England, the way the played and outclassed us today," the head coach added. 

England's glittering batting show featured four centuries on day 1, which is again a record in Test cricket. Zak Crawley (122), Ben Duckett (107), Ollie Pope (108), and Harry Brook (101) helped England register this unique record. 

"England entertained the crowd. They played an entertaining brand of cricket. I don't think fans didn't enjoy it. Unfortunately, the day wasn't good for us," Saqlain asserted. 

'Best available bowlers'

Saqlain believes that the best possible bowling line was fielded against England. "I believe we played with our best available bowlers. Shaheen Shah Afridi is unfortunately injured but we have Naseem Shah who has proved himself recently against Australia," the former bowler responded. 

The head coach defended the selection of Mohammad Ali who 96 runs in 17 overs and took just a wicket. 

"See, after Shaheen's injury and keeping in mind the workload on our bowlers who are playing continuously, Ali was a good choice who could provide other bowlers a bit of relief," explained Saqlain. 

Zahid's selection over Abrar

Saqlain spoke about doing justice to Zahid Mahmood after the latter traveled with the Test team for quite some time now. 

"We saw both Zahid and Abrar in the nets. They both were looking equally good. After thinking a lot, we decided to play Zahid because he is with the team for long,

"I and captain always try to do justice with players. Since Zahid is with the team and this environment, he deserved a chance before Abrar. No doubt Abrar has come with his fresh domestic performance but we thought to do justice with Zahid," the coach briefed to a query.

Abrar finished Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2022-23 as the highest wicket-taker. The mystery spinner got the maiden Test call for his continuous performance in domestic cricket.