Former Pakistan cricketer turned commentator Ramiz Raja has lashed out at the poor performance of the Pakistan cricket team in the first two games of the three-match ODI series against England. Pakistan put up 141 at Cardiff and then was bundled out for 195 at Lord’s.
However, their poor show in the middle-order has faced criticism and Raja bashed at the poor display of the team as well. He also rated the performance as one of the worst in the history as the team is playing against England ‘C’ team following the covid-19 hit the England team.
“If you map this series defeat on the Richter scale, the value of shock will clock fifteen. It’s a massive blow and I don’t understand how one can defend it. It’s England’s No.2 team, in terms of talent,” quoted Ramiz Raja.
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However, England had to change their squad after several members of the unit and support staff had tested positive for Covid-19 and the entire team had to go into isolation. Ramiz Raja also added that apart from Ben Stokes none of the other members would make it to their first XI as well.
He added: “If you take out Ben Stokes, not a single player of the team that defeated Pakistan would get selected in England’s regular team in the near future. We are talking about a glorified county team that has beaten Pakistan. People underestimated them and hoped for an ODI series win in England. But look how the tables have turned that now Pakistan are under the threat of a whitewash.”
“The performance isn’t defendable. If the alarm bells don’t ring now, I don’t know when they will. It’s a World Cup year, though it’s a T20 World Cup, and such headlines are unbearable for Pakistan fans. You saw their sad faces at Lord’s. They take pride in Pakistan cricket but we have lost their love and strength. Their attendance in England, Australia and even in South Africa are decreasing because their expectations are dying,” said the former Pakistani legendary cricketer.
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“How much more time should be given to the coaches before their performance is judged? Extremely awful selection. Some overrated players keep on playing for Pakistan. I don’t understand how to back this team. We expect them to improve in some areas and learn from their mistakes. But enough is enough. Fans are heartbroken and they have a chance to make big changes in the team otherwise it would be a tough season. Once again, an utterly distasteful performance from Pakistan who lost against a No.2 England team,” concluded Ramiz Raja.
Notably, the T20 World Cup is all set to take place in the UAE later this year as well.
