Saud Shakeel conceded Pakistan are technically unequipped to handle lateral seam movement after the tourists collapsed to 133 on the opening day of the third Test at Edgbaston.
Pakistan’s entire top five fell for single-figure scores for the first time in an English Test first innings. Shakeel offered the only sustained resistance with a top score of 43 before Josh Tongue bowled him through the gate.
The batting failure compounds a miserable tour for the visitors, who are already facing an internal disciplinary inquiry.
Speaking to the Guardian, Shakeel admitted the squad lacks the preparation for English conditions.
“There’s a lot of lateral movement and we’re not used to facing that, but we are trying our best,” Shakeel said. “I’m not saying our batting group has not struggled, we have accepted that. But the conditions have been difficult. Bowlers have been on top.”
Debutant Razaullah Provides Rare Spark
Pakistan’s bowling attack found limited success despite the dire match situation, with 21-year-old debutant Razaullah impressing through raw pace. The fast bowler trapped England captain Joe Root lbw before dismissing Emilio Gay for 60.
The men’s structural batting issues run parallel to struggles in the white-ball setup, prompting similar batting overhaul demands from national captains.
England closed the day on 156 for four, taking a 23-run lead into the second morning in Birmingham.
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