Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq reckons that his countrymen still can win the three-match series against Pakistan despite losing the first Test. But he is disappointed with the defeat of Azhar Ali-led side at Old Trafford.
England was able to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat after Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler set up 139 runs partnership. Pakistan had given 277 runs target to the host which was deemed to be a tough chase at the pitch like Old Trafford. But as evident in the past, England is known to bamboozle the opposition. Joe Root-led side chase down the target and won the match by three wickets, which was an unbelievable victory.
While talking on his YouTube Channel, Inzamam opined that his countrymen deserved to win the first Test. But he is assured that they would win the series because Pakistan is better Test side than England
“I think Pakistan team is better than England and we should have won the first Test. It’s very disappointing but I believe Pakistan can still win the series,” Inzamam said in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel ‘The Match Winner’.
Inzamam-ul-Haq gives the reason for Pakistan’s failure:
Inzamam-ul-Haq noted that Azhar Ali-led sides’ morale went down after they struggled in their second innings. England’s excellent bowling attack had shrunk Pakistan‘s second innings although they had managed to score 169 runs. The former cricketer said that team’s body language changed because they went under pressure after there not up to the scratch performance on the third day.
“When you are going through a rough phase, team’s body language should not change. This was clearly the case in the first Test because Pakistan players seemed to be under pressure following a batting collapse in the second innings on the third day.
“When you are going through a rough phase, team’s body language should not change. This was clearly the case in the first Test because Pakistan players seemed to be under pressure following a batting collapse in the second innings on the third day.
Inzamam-ul-Haq added that team management plays a crucial role at such stages to keep a positive environment in the dressing room.
“The role of the team management is important after such a defeat because the players’ morale will be down. They need to talk about the positives rather than focusing on the negatives,” Inzamam-ul-haq said.
Meanwhile, the second Test will be played in Southampton from 13th August.