MULTAN: Despite severe backlash on the team’s defensive mindset, Pakistan captain Babar Azam denied bringing any drastic changes to the team’s long-held planning just to compete with England’s attacking approach.
Speaking at a scheduled press conference ahead of the second Test starting tomorrow in Multan, the Pakistan skipper admitted that the opposition had brought a very different and unique approach to Test cricket.
“They (England) have come with their own unique style and one cannot change the entire game plan after just one game,” he told reporters on Thursday.
“We’ll try to play according to the situation. It’s not like you change your game (plan) at once and try to compete with the opposition’s way of playing.”
He added that they need to stick to their own game plan and mindset with clarity and proper execution.
Talking about the team’s playing XI for the upcoming Test, Babar confirmed that the team had been almost finalized and would soon be revealed once the deliberations on one final change reached the conclusion.
“We just have to decide whether we should go with Faheem Ashraf or Mohammad Wasim Jnr,” he stated.
The national side went with three fast bowlers and one genuine spinner in the Rawalpindi but the injury to one of its pacers, Haris Rauf, will possibly translate into the inclusion of uncapped Wasim or all-rounder Faheem to the playing lineup.
The Pakistan skipper, moreover, has hoped that they will not repeat the same mistakes that cost them a 74-run defeat in the first Test, saying they are confident to make a comeback in the series and the World Test Championship.
“It was our mistake that we didn’t keep the World Test championship in mind while planning for the previous game,” he said.
“Our complete focus is now on the next game. We have made comebacks in the past and can do the same in the future as well.”
Furthermore, Babar maintained that he did not have to prove anything regarding his credentials as a player to anyone.
“I am not bothered about what people say about me. My only aim is to help Pakistan win with my performance,” he said.
It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan are currently trailing the three-match series by 0-1 after they failed to chase 343 runs on a batting surface following England’s bold declaration in the opening Test.
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