LEEDS: Pakistan stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha admitted that his side made mistakes after their crushing defeat to England, saying Babar Azam’s return to the side would bolster the batting lineup.
England handed Pakistan an innings and 103-run defeat in the first Test at Headingley on Friday The touring side were outplayed in all departments as they failed to put on a challenging score.
Pakistan were bowled out for 171 and 135 in the first and second innings, respectively.
The hosts were dominant with the bat, scoring 409 in their first innings. Ollie Robinson was named Player of the Match after taking eight wickets in the match.
In the post-match presentation, Salman admitted that England were the better team in the opening match of the series.
“England have outplayed us and it is fair to say. We have made many mistakes. Our batting is inexperience in these conditions but they need to be consistent,” he said.
He backed Pakistan’s fast bowlers despite their inability to make the most of the overcast conditions at Headingley, noting that his side would try to overcome their mistakes.
“There was moisture when we bowled but our bowlers did not make the most of it. We do have bowlers who can click 140kph but these three fast bowlers had done well in West Indies and these conditions suit them,” he observed.
“I still back them. We need to eradicate mistakes and comeback stronger in the next match,” he added.
Agha hailed Ali Usman and Abdullah Shafique for putting up spirited displays in challenging conditions.
“I am very happy for Ali Usman because of the way he bowled in these conditions. Also very happy for how Abdullah Shafique batted.”
Agha expressed confidence that Babar Azam’s inclusion in the lineup will strengthen Pakistan’s batting.
“Hopefully Babar will come back in the next match and his presence will give a boost to our batting,” he concluded.
READ: Ramiz Raja urges Pakistan to fight back after Vaughan’s jibe