NEW DELHI: Pakistan drew criticism from all quarters following their defeat against England in the first Test despite posting a massive total of over 500 runs in the first innings. However, former coach Mickey Arthur raised concerns about certain issues that affected the team’s performance.
Arthur emphasized that Pakistani players have the talent to compete at the highest level and urged for greater consistency in team selection and management to enhance their performance.
“Just a few thoughts as a follower of Pakistan cricket! 1.The players are very very skilled and are the right one’s. 2.The inconsistency around selection, environment and administration plays a role in team morale, give the players structure and they will perform!,” Arthur posted on X.
Arthur also criticized the media’s role in over-promoting players, which he believes can create a false sense of self-importance. He argued that this excessive attention often disconnects players from reality, leading them to lose focus on team objectives and overestimate their own significance.
“3.The vile rhetoric from media and media driven agendas do not help! 4.The promotion of players by player agents or media makes the player sometimes think he is way more important than he is in reality creating a false view! 5.Playing for Pakistan should be the best time ever!” Arthur added.
England’s bowlers, led by spinner Jack Leach, dismantled Pakistan’s batting order to claim victory in the first Test in Multan on Friday, following a game-changing record partnership between Harry Brook and Joe Root.
On Day 5, England’s attack quickly dismissed Pakistan’s last four batters, bowling the hosts out for 200 and securing an innings-and-47-run win.
This marked England’s fourth consecutive Test victory on Pakistani soil, following a 3-0 whitewash two years ago. Before that, England had won just two away Tests against Pakistan in the previous 61 years.
Pakistan have gone 11 Tests without a win on home grounds, their last win against South Africa came in February 2021.
The second Test starts at the same venue from Tuesday while the third is in Rawalpindi from October 24.