LEEDS (Kashmir English): Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, after losing the first Test against England by an innings and 103 runs, admitted that the hosts were superior in every aspect and said that Pakistan made many mistakes and England completely outclassed them.
He said, “England outplayed us, and that is absolutely true. We made many mistakes while our batting is not experienced in these conditions, but we have to show consistency.”
He also talked about the performance of Pakistani bowlers and said that there was moisture in the ball, but the national bowlers could not take full advantage of these conditions.
He said that Pakistan has bowlers who can bowl at a speed of 140 kmph, however, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad had performed well in the recent tour of the West Indies, so he still has faith in them.
Salman Agha said, ‘When we bowled, there was moisture in the ball, but our bowlers could not take full advantage of it.’
He added, ‘We have bowlers who can reach a speed of 140 kmph, but these 3 fast bowlers had performed well in the West Indies and these conditions are also suitable for them. I still have confidence in them.’
Despite Pakistan’s defeat, Salman Agha praised the performance of Abdullah Shafiq and Ali Usman. Abdullah Shafiq scored 61 runs in the first innings while Ali Usman also scored 0 runs in the batting and took 5 wickets in the bowling.
The national captain said that the team will have to learn from its mistakes and come back stronger in the next match.
He noted, ‘We have to eliminate our mistakes and come back stronger in the next match. I am very happy with Ali Usman’s bowling the way he bowled in these conditions. I am also very happy with Abdullah Shafiq’s batting.’
Salman Agha expressed hope that the permanent captain of the national team and experienced batsman Babar Azam will return in the next Test and his presence will strengthen Pakistan’s batting.
He said, ‘Hopefully Babar will return in the next match, and his presence will strengthen our batting.’
The second Test of the 3-match series between Pakistan and England will be played at Lord’s from August 27 to 31.
