Nasser Hussain and Babar Azam - (Source: X)
Babar Azam’s return to Pakistan’s side got delayed because of heavy rain at Lord’s. Pakistan are coming fresh off a crushing defeat in the 1st Test. The visitors lost by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test, ending up a laughing stock on social media.
Following the first Test, Pakistan were bashed left, right, and centre. English media labelled the Babar Azam-led side as the worst team in the last 50 years. Further, Stuart Broad questioned the intent and passion, which resulted in a massive controversy and uproar.
Nasser Hussain Joins The Bandwagon, Brutally Trolls Pakistan
In the latest events, former England captain turned analyst Nasser Hussain has joined the bandwagon and brutally attacked Pakistan. Nasser Hussain corrected Babar Azam, who promised a fightback and rated the India-Pakistan match as a one-sided affair.
“I want to see this England line-up just tested a bit more. And I want to see a bit more from Pakistan. We talk about mercurial Pakistan. They're not mercurial anymore. What we saw at Leeds is where they're at. Babar spoke in the press conference. We do fight back.
“They don't fight back anymore. We hype up Pakistan. India fixtures in the ICC are great fixtures. They're not great fixtures anymore. They're very one-sided fixtures. Pakistan don't travel well. So they need something to galvanise them.”
Also Read: Babar Azam Reacts To English Media; Issues Warning To Joe Root And Co
“That was such an un-Pakistan-type performance last week. No pace, no wrist spin, no flair with the bat, no passion. And they got what they deserve, to be honest. So my, actually, this week is hoping for Pakistan cricket to improve and show signs of improvement.”
Babar Azam Promises Pakistan To Fight Back
A day before the second Test, Babar spoke with the reporters at a pre-match press conference in London. Apart from addressing the recent criticism thrown at the Pakistan team, the cricketer also vowed a stronger performance from his side in the impending five-day bout.
“Whenever something like this happens, we always step up as a team. We play a different brand of cricket. This time, you’ll see something different from us.”
The statement didn’t go well with Nasser Hussain, who was quick to correct the Pakistan batter.
Pakistan Drop Salman Ali Agha For Crucial Fixture
For the 2nd Test, Babar Azam returned to the side and made just a solitary change in the playing XI. Contrary to the reports that Mohammad Rizwan might be dropped from the playing XI, Pakistan left their stand-in skipper Salman Ali Agha out of the playing XI.
In a shocking move, Agha, who captained the side in the first Test, found no place at Lord’s. In the 1st Test, Salman Ali Agha could only score 25 runs across two innings.
Also Read: ICC Suspends Batter Who Smashed Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025 Record Deemed Invalid
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