Not happy with Misbah-ul-Haq’s defensive tactics as a captain and surely his form with the bat, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has voiced his concerns saying Pakistan will only suffer a change in the plan is not brought up. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Rashid was blunt in admitting that a change of a leader might just be the answer.
Pakistan has been on the back-foot ever since the first ball of the Sydney Test was bowled, having leaked over 500 runs in the first innings with none of the four bowlers looking as a threat to Aussie batsmen.
Talking about Misbah’s plan to out-bat David Warner in the match, which went horribly wrong; Rashid said his tactics were bewildering after the southpaw unleashed his beast mode during the first day’s play. Apart from that, the wicket-keeper batsman also praised Wahab Riaz for his workhorse attitude, he has shown throughout the tour.
“The tactics against Warner were too defensive; if you relax the attacking field as early as the sixth over, you are bound to suffer. I feel Wahab gave his absolute all and one can’t doubt his effort amid the carnage.”
Rashid, who earlier said he believes Misbah might just continue for the West Indies series but now feels the end of the road is near for the 42-year-old, calling for Sarfraz Ahmed to take up the charge in all three formats of the game.
“Yes, I felt that Misbah could continue for the tour of the West Indies and help win our first ever series there. Unfortunately, this series has been poor for him both as a captain and batsman and things just don’t look right. I think we need a change and Sarfraz Ahmed should be appointed captain in all three formats of the game.”
Prior to the series, Pakistan’s bowling was something the hosts were looking forward to but they did not live up to the expectations and were rather taken for a ride in all five innings, they have bowled in. Disappointed with their efforts, Rashid said the bowlers have conversely failed to support the batsmen’s on the tour, resulting in an imbalance and thus a loss in the end.
“Our bowling has been a big disappointment. We are always worried about our batting but the batsmen have twice posted 400 plus totals in the series; the bowlers have conversely failed to support the batsmen. The Sydney Test has further exposed the limitations of our attack, especially with a half-fit Yasir Shah who seems plagued by hamstring problems”, he concluded.