"Unfortunately we couldn't reply to whatever they threw at us" : Azhar Ali

[MenInG]

Speaking on Sky


“Of course, it’s been a wonderful Test match and it’s disappointing that we were on the wrong side of it but credit to England, especially Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes. They came in when we were sitting in a very comfortable position and took the game on.

“Certainly the pitch seemed to do nothing when they were playing when a couple of overs before it had been going up and down and turning quite a lot as well. They changed the momentum of the game and unfortunately we couldn’t reply to whatever they threw at us.

“I’d give credit to the partnership. It’s tough when someone plays like that to keep the field up and keep the boundaries dry. We have to give credit to the opposition. One of the best match winning innings in the recent past was Ben Stokes against Australia and this wasn’t far behind that because the situation was tough for the batting side.

“It really surprised me that their wasn’t reverse swing. The ball was in good shape but I don’t know why it didn’t happen. When we got 5 wickets, we were happy with our discipline but that partnership changed everything.

“We had the opportunity to bat England out of the game, 330-350 would have been tough. The 3rd innings was also difficult, the ball was turning and the ball was reversing but we had developed partnerships. But we lost wickets and especially run out in Tests are kind of a crime but unfortunately it happened and we couldn’t get more runs on the board. But I believe this total was enough as well.”

 

[Thephenom]

Yeah and whose fault was that?!

 

[hitthestump]

It's quite disingenous of Azhar to try and make this collective responsibility.

The team lost because you and Shafiq failed in your duties.

 

[chacha kashmiri]

He's obviously just been check mated
What a oblivious defeatist approach especially as the side dominated the game for most of the sessions
Hopefully the think tank can come up with a reply for him and collectively have an approach for the start of the South Coast matches

 

[Markhor]

Azhar if you had some self-respect you would have retired after botching that chase in Abu Dhabi vs NZ when you tried to knock the last remaining runs in singles from each over despite having only Abbas at the other end.

Or, if that wasn't appalling enough, you would've retired after South Africa where you averaged 9.

At some point you and your buddy Asad need to admit you're not living up to your responsibilities are the two seniormost batsmen.

 

[Green Patriot]

I am so done with them. Especially the 'seniors', Asad and Azhar.

What is next? Unfortunately, we shouldn't be playing top tier cricket? Unfortunately we suck. This was literally our match for the taking. I have lost count of the number of times we have literally dragged ourselves towards defeat.

 

[PakHammer]

I would make Shan captain now. Azhar's form is like a tailender outside Asia and UAE. Iman and Fawad must come in for Abid and Azhar for the next match.

 

[Local.Dada]

To put this in context, it’s like the story of people who win a lottery when they least expect so don’t know how to handle the new wealth and end up squandering it.

Basically that’s what happened here. Beginning of day 1 Pakistan would have been happy if England lead was less than 50 and they ended up getting a 120 run lead.

Compare the 2 scenarios you’ve got your answer.

Overall I think this was actually a great performance by Pakistan. People who are overhyping may be disappointed but as a neutral or Realistic fan it is not that complicated to imagine how Pakistan lost this match.

 

[skureishi]

Azhar is a proven failure in ODI captaincy, ODI batting, Test Batting and Test captaincy. He is done. Stick a fork in him and move on. Even a person with half a brain can see that he is a dead weight and a bad investment. Cut your losses and move on. Same goes for Asad.

 

[Kroll]

Azhar and Shafiq never picked themselves. Heads need to roll at the very top.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

“It really surprised me that their wasn’t reverse swing. The ball was in good shape but I don’t know why it didn’t happen. When we got 5 wickets, we were happy with our discipline but that partnership changed everything.

Shows how smart these people are.... In the sky commentary box they kept saying reverse swing isn't common @ Old Trafford because of the moisture and they kept searching for reverse swing. I mean really? That was our to go plan?

 

[from_da_lost_dim3nsion]

I dont understand the hate for Azhar and to a lesser extent Asad. Ther some of teh best test batsmen we could hope for.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Weak and feablie excuses from the captain. Both him and asad need to go, id rather lose games with new players who can improve over time, then playing with passengers.

 

[Abdullah719]

Shows how smart these people are.... In the sky commentary box they kept saying reverse swing isn’t common @ Old Trafford because of the moisture and they kept searching for reverse swing. I mean really? That was our to go plan?

England got the ball to reverse yesterday though. Perhaps because of how dry the pitch was this time around.

 

[Abdullah719]

I dont understand the hate for Azhar and to a lesser extent Asad. Ther some of teh best test batsmen we could hope for.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Azhar Ali in Test cricket outside Asia in the last 3 years:<br><br>Innings 18<br>Runs 212<br>Average 11.77<br>Hundreds 0<br>Fifties 1<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1291776599893987328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Asad Shafiq:<br><br>Only 2 hundreds (both in UAE) in his last 41 Test innings.<br><br>He was averaging 43.89 in October 2015. That average has now dropped to 38.89.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvPAK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1292013164901601285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Jeetlodil]

Asad still has it in him. If not for the run out. He can pick the poor balls. Yes he has not done well but he can be persisted with for experience. He has some very good knocks in the middle order.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

England got the ball to reverse yesterday though. Perhaps because of how dry the pitch was this time around.

According to Ian Pont not even one ball had reverse swung. It was conventional swing with the duke ball. I think even Wasim said it wasn't the shiny side of the ball that landed.

 

[LegendAli]

I dont understand the hate for Azhar and to a lesser extent Asad. Ther some of teh best test batsmen we could hope for.

It's not da...
It's not teh...

It's "the".

 

[shaz619]

Azhar if you had some self-respect you would have retired after botching that chase in Abu Dhabi vs NZ when you tried to knock the last remaining runs in singles from each over despite having only Abbas at the other end.

Or, if that wasn't appalling enough, you would've retired after South Africa where you averaged 9.

At some point you and your buddy Asad need to admit you're not living up to your responsibilities are the two seniormost batsmen.

That's the problem mate, they don't have a job centre in Pakistan! if there was, maybe Azhar would retire and sign on! Speaking of Asad, there is no reason for him to sign on just yet, he is too beautiful to watch

 

[shaz619]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Azhar Ali in Test cricket outside Asia in the last 3 years:<br><br>Innings 18<br>Runs 212<br>Average 11.77<br>Hundreds 0<br>Fifties 1<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1291776599893987328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Asad Shafiq:<br><br>Only 2 hundreds (both in UAE) in his last 41 Test innings.<br><br>He was averaging 43.89 in October 2015. That average has now dropped to 38.89.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvPAK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1292013164901601285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The runs Shafiq scored were predominately against the soft ball to, they use to say Pakistan players don't perform because they have a fear of being dropped every game; what is this guys excuse ?

 

[ask_analyse_act]

I would make Shan captain now. Azhar's form is like a tailender outside Asia and UAE. Iman and Fawad must come in for Abid and Azhar for the next match.

Not gonna happen for 3 years from now or until Misbah is in charge. Even Pak get whitewashed 3-0 and Azhar avgs 10 or less than that in this series. He is still gonna captain and play the next series.

 

[Robert]

I was surprised that he went defensive too quick, should have kept some catchers up during Buttler-Woakes.

 

[Energy]

That's like saying England threw mud in our face and we swallowed it but didn't move away.

 

[PakHammer]

Not gonna happen for 3 years from now or until Misbah is in charge. Even Pak get whitewashed 3-0 and Azhar avgs 10 or less than that in this series. He is still gonna captain and play the next series.

Man, I thought not much could depress me further today but that thought just has!

 

[Markhor]

That's the problem mate, they don't have a job centre in Pakistan! if there was, maybe Azhar would retire and sign on! Speaking of Asad, there is no reason for him to sign on just yet, he is too beautiful to watch

I tell you what, I was THIS close to buying a NOW TV subscription on Day 2 when my stream kept cutting out and we were in full control.

Then I thought nah I ain't forking out £25 of my hard earned cash on the Azhar/Misbah clown show. So back to the stream I went, and thank god I did.

 

[shaz619]

I tell you what, I was THIS close to buying a NOW TV subscription on Day 2 when my stream kept cutting out and we were in full control.

Then I thought nah I ain't forking out £25 of my hard earned cash on the Azhar/Misbah clown show. So back to the stream I went, and thank god I did.

I did end up buying it but you know what it was a facinating game of cricket, the emotions the Pak team cause their fans is crazy but they are a draw and entertaining as hell besides, there are a few domestic boxing shows for me to look forward to as well although for you the footy must be done and dusted on sky, but here's the other thing; the sky analysis on the game is beyond insightful you have to agree, as someone who also bowled a bit of leg break googly I always enjoy when Shane is in the analysis booth and especially when breaking down leg spin bowling, Yasir is a joy to watch; just needs time to settle and support from his captain

 

[amvbfm]

How could you when you don't want to try anything other than what Misbah tells you to do. I have always been a vocal Azhar supporter and even these last two years have kept believing that he will turn it around. And he still might and it would make me very happy but he should definitely not be captaining the team. There is too much on his mind and adding the burden of captaincy helps neither him nor the team. For once in his life he should ignore what Misbah and step down from the captaincy. That's the only way he can regain his form and prove himself worthy of a spot in the team.

As for Asad, he still has some time left. His problem lies with the management's inisistence to fit him in an ill-suited role. He is a very good number 6, and that is where he should always play.

 

[Yk313]

I was surprised that he went defensive too quick, should have kept some catchers up during Buttler-Woakes.

Not surprised. Just disappointed he has not changed at all.

 

[Matty]

Azhar if you had some self-respect you would have retired after botching that chase in Abu Dhabi vs NZ when you tried to knock the last remaining runs in singles from each over despite having only Abbas at the other end.

Or, if that wasn't appalling enough, you would've retired after South Africa where you averaged 9.

At some point you and your buddy Asad need to admit you're not living up to your responsibilities are the two seniormost batsmen.

Speaking of seniors, where is that Shoaib Malik bloke? Why is he not in the test setup these days?

 

[offstump]

Speaking of seniors, where is that Shoaib Malik bloke? Why is he not in the test setup these days?

He retired from tests 5 years ago

 

[Hasan123]

Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq need to be replaced asap. Enough is enough.

 

[Matty]

He retired from tests 5 years ago

That's a shame

 

[Thephenom]

So if it’s not bad enough having two useless old batsmen who can’t score runs bring in another who is exactly the same, when are we going to realise until we give young batsmen a chance nothing will change in our top order?!

 

[Zaz]

That's a shame

Shame for england yes He was even more useless in tests overseas than azhar ali and thats saying something

 

[Junaids]

Misbah and Waqar are a clown show.

How did Azhar and the bowlers manage NOT to be briefed that against Woakes and Broad you bowl bouncers like you’re Neil Wagner?

There was no evidence of any bowling plans whatsoever. What are Misbah and Waqar paid for?

 

[MenInG]

An important point that Nasser made on Sky was that yesterday was first test of Azhar's abilities in a tight situation as all wins and losses before had been big margins; He had excuses before but here, he had a chance to fashion a victory with a calm head and good tactics. He failed.

 

[Saj]

It took 1 partnership to take the wind out of Pakistan's sails and knock Azhar and the think-tank out of their comfort zone.

There seemed to be no plan B, the intent went, the aggression fizzled out, just because of 1 partnership.

 

[Saj]

It took 1 partnership to take the wind out of Pakistan's sails and knock Azhar and the think-tank out of their comfort zone.

There seemed to be no plan B, the intent went, the aggression fizzled out, just because of 1 partnership.

England didn't throw anything at Pakistan, rather Pakistan threw the match away.

 

[Cricketrenew]

It took 1 partnership to take the wind out of Pakistan's sails and knock Azhar and the think-tank out of their comfort zone.

There seemed to be no plan B, the intent went, the aggression fizzled out, just because of 1 partnership.

England didn't throw anything at Pakistan, rather Pakistan threw the match away.

Agree entirely. Plan A wasn't that good either... it seemed to be to bowl line line and length and stay in the game. Only Abbas should be doing that. Naseem should have been bowling bouncers and Yorkers … Shaheen has a slight inswinger but real outswinger.

Yasir Shah disappointed most he didn't have an alternative to leg spinner still, his googly is very poor.

Pakistan threw the match away without trying anything you would expect from a team with speedsters, I guess what they missed was a Stokes type spell.

Captaincy, Coach were too negative and not agile in thinking.

 

[fight_club]

Actually took just Ten min of aggression and our captain caved in.

I always liked Azhar and who wouldn't but there are two bigger tragedies following him. 1st he has been made skipper by Genius Misbah because he really likes ali smiles even I do

2nd he bats at a very crucial No.3 position and robs inning of any momentum.

He would do himself and pakistan a great favor if he gives up captaincy even mid tour.

 

[Firebat]

Such a spineless captain. A few attacking strokes from Buttler and Woakes and he immediately went on the defensive, and lost the game mentally. When he won the toss and batted, there was a glimmer of hope he would come out attacking in this series. Not to be, same old Azhar.

 

[bala977]

<I>..... “It really surprised me that their wasn’t reverse swing. The ball was in good shape but I don’t know why it didn’t happen. “ ....... </I>

When I started reading Azhar’s response, I thought here was the captain who is taking responsibility, until I read the above .... why is it that the pitch and conditions are always dead when the opposition is batting and are alive/juicy/green when the opposition is bowling?

 

[Kroll]

This statement is a bit weird if you think about it as we were the ones in the ascendancy for most of the match. They were the ones having to reply not the other way around.

This was a match that should have been closed out if it weren't for the mental midget batting in the 2nd innings and failed fielding tactics in Eng's reply.

It was a sickening defeat, one which leaves a bitter taste.

 

[Ahmed216]

I agree. Pitch really didnt offer much to bowlers. It seemed as the game progressed it got slower n slower and by the 4th innings it became very easy paced

 

[MenInG]

Actually took just Ten min of aggression and our captain caved in.

I always liked Azhar and who wouldn't but there are two bigger tragedies following him. 1st he has been made skipper by Genius Misbah because he really likes ali smiles even I do

2nd he bats at a very crucial No.3 position and robs inning of any momentum.

He would do himself and pakistan a great favor if he gives up captaincy even mid tour.

Such a spineless captain. A few attacking strokes from Buttler and Woakes and he immediately went on the defensive, and lost the game mentally. When he won the toss and batted, there was a glimmer of hope he would come out attacking in this series. Not to be, same old Azhar.

Nothing has changed for Azhar.

If PCB wanted to improve him, they should have mentored him - or maybe they did and he is incapable of listening

 

[Firebat]

Now Azhar has been unable to reply to what Crawley and Buttler have thrown at him. Seems incapable of adapting and rethinking plans on the spot.

 

[Kroll]

No point in blaming Azhar, he was a rabbit pushed under the headlights. We all knew what the outcome was going to be. Heads need to roll at headquarters.