Saqlain Mushtaq 'hurt' by Pakistan's performance in England series

Saqlain said that Pakistan team was also inexperienced as compare to England’s side

December 20, 2022
Saqlain feels like crying in a corner — PCB

KARACHI: Pakistan’s head coach Saqlain Mushtaq has said that while the 3-0 defeat by England was hurtful but if one decodes team’s performance session by session, you’ll know that team didn’t play badly.

Speaking to Geo exclusively after team’s defeat in Karachi Test, the former spinner and head coach of the side said that everyone is hurt at this defeat but Pakistan team came close in two games.

“In Rawalpindi and in Multan, there were moments when we were very close, there were times when we were looking to win the games but it didn’t end in our favor,” he said.

“If you look at Multan Test, we were in good position there as well. But, that out of Saud Shakeel which was questioned by everyone was turning point, otherwise he had put us in commanding position,” the head coach mentioned.

He said that he is also hurt at the defeat and feels like crying in a corner but these things are part and parcel of international career.

Saqlain said that Pakistan team was also inexperienced as compare to England’s side.

“In longer format of game, experience is key and it helps you at crucial stage, this is something that favoured England in the series. We have to learn from our mistakes but it was a brave decision to play a young side eyeing for future,” Saqlain said.

He added that Pakistan was very much eyeing World Test Championship final with start of this series but unfortunately results didn’t go in Pakistan’s favor.

He, however, didn’t agree to call this defeat as one of the worst moments in his career.

“These moments are part and parcel of professional cricketer, if you allow them to pull you down then you’ll not be able to move on and progress,” he said.

Saqlain agreed that the 3-0 result is unexpected but insisted that Pakistan must learn from this defeat.

“There are certain things which is exposed in longer format, these things are usually under the carpet in shorter format but you need to be technically and tactically perfect in longer format and we’ve to improve in these areas,” the head coach indemnified.

“It won’t happen overnight, but we will have to work hard,” he added.

When asked if Pakistan should also adopt the way England has played in the series, Saqlain said that it is important to have everyone on board to make any strategic decision.

“England did not adopt this policy overnight, they gone through a thought process before applying this style, though there were times in this series as well when we forced them to get back to traditional style of playing Test Cricket,” Saqlain said.

Talking about youngster Abrar Ahmed, Saqlain said that he has made a very good start of his career but highlighted that the youngster needs work harder if he wants to progress further.

“I must say that he must not settle down with this, he must bring more verities as cricketing world will soon start working on him, so you need to keep evolving,” he concluded.

Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.

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