With a strong legacy in Test cricket, Pakistan is viewed as one of Asia’s most formidable challengers against SENA nations.
However, despite hosting several series, Pakistan experienced difficulties in the recently concluded ICC Test Championship cycle 2021-23.
The team led by Babar Azam, once a solid contender for the finals, wrapped up the Championship cycle in seventh place on the points table, with no victories in the final two series.
During the 2021-23 cycle, Pakistan participated in 14 Test matches, securing wins in only four and losing six. Four matches resulted in draws, all of which occurred at home last year.
Bowling Performance Falling Short of Expectations
Pakistan is known for its exceptional fast and spin bowlers. Nonetheless, during the last Test Championship cycle, the bowling squad’s performance was subpar.
The absence of Shaheen Afridi due to injury during the Sri Lanka series revealed weaknesses in the national fast bowling squad in Test cricket. Fans witnessed several injuries to fast bowlers in the last two series.
None of the fast bowlers ranked among the cycle’s top 10 wicket-takers, with Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 41 wickets in eight matches.
The spinners experienced similar outcomes, with none of them ranking among the top 25 wicket-takers, despite playing on spin-favorable pitches.
Concerns Over Middle Order
The middle order has consistently been a concern for the national team in red-ball cricket, despite having a number of experienced players on the team.
Apart from Babar Azam, no other Pakistani batter consistently excelled and performed at pivotal stages of the matches, even when playing on home grounds.
Excluding Babar Azam and the opening batsmen, Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique, no Pakistani batter ranked among the cycle’s top 35 run scorers.
Babar concluded the cycle with 1,527 runs at an average of 51.08, while Imam accumulated 932 runs at an average of 54.82, and Abdullah garnered 992 runs at an average of 47.23.
Unfavorable Flat Surfaces
While drawing sometimes becomes necessary in Test cricket, Pakistan’s three out of six series ending in draws is not the strategy that should have been implemented in the previous cycle.
Various factors influenced the national team’s Test cricket performance, particularly in the cycle’s second half that took place under home conditions.
The Pakistan Cricket Board provided flat surfaces for the eight matches that Pakistan played against Australia, England, and New Zealand last year, complicating the process of turning the game decisively.
The Importance of Aggressive Captaincy
Aggressive leadership, strategic field placements, and proactive decision-making are all essential in fostering a victory-oriented mentality and achieving success in Test matches.