‘We have to sit down and reflect on our mistakes’: Babar Azam calls for changes after Pakistan’s 0-3 loss to England

Pakistan’s Babar Azam, centre, with teammates after his side’s defeat to England in Birmingham. (AP photo) Pakistan captain Babar Azam called for an honest assessment of the team’s mistakes and selection strategy after England wrapped up the Test series 3-0 with an eight-wicket win at Edgbaston on Saturday.Babar admitted that Pakistan now need to reassess their personnel and decide on their best XI after a tough tour in which the visitors struggled to adapt to English conditions. He said the team management, selectors and captain will have to sit and determine the way forward.“I think we have to sit down and think about our mistakes, decide what type of XI to play and decide our players. I think they sit and the manager comes, the selector comes and I sit down and then I decide our best XI,” Babar said after the defeat.The series ended with Pakistan’s batting showing signs of improvement in Birmingham. After being bowled out for less than 200 in both innings of the opening two Tests, they posted 449 in their second innings at Edgbaston, setting England a target of 130.

“Unfortunately, we have a few changes after losing two games.”

The biggest spark for Pakistan was provided by debutant Razaullah, who made an immediate impact with both bat and ball. He took four wickets in England’s first innings before smashing 81 off 63 balls, including nine sixes.Shan Masood scored 95, Babar contributed 76 and opener Azam Awais 59 as Pakistan finally offered considerable resistance with the bat.Mohammad Abbas then gave the visitors a glimmer of hope by removing two English batsmen at the start of England’s chase. Babar admitted that Pakistan briefly believed they could force an unlikely result before Joe Root and Jordan Cox took control.“Yes. We got two wickets in the first over. So we believe high, always high. But I think Root and both the batsmen are playing very well,” he said.Root finished unbeaten on 62 and Cox scored 59 as their unbroken partnership of 128 runs guided England to victory.Reflecting on Pakistan’s selection throughout the series, Babar described the changes made after the first two defeats as unfortunate while pointing to the difficulty of batting in the conditions.“We think about different things before we come here and then we decide on our team. And then unfortunately we have a few changes after losing two games because when we go to England it’s very difficult for the batsmen and the first two pitches are very difficult,” he said.

Babar backs Razaullah after breakthrough Test

While Pakistan leave England with a lot to reconsider, Razaullah’s performance offered a major positive. Despite his limited first-class experience, the youngster made an immediate impression on his Test debut.“We enjoyed it. I think everyone is enjoying the innings and bowling and he’s a very good talent and raw. I think he’s good for us. The way he played this match and it gives confidence,” Babar said.The captain also emphasized the importance of giving opportunities to young players while adapting the team’s approach to the conditions.“When you come into different series you try to give your best and you decide what type of cricket to play in different conditions. I think those conditions are difficult but I think we are trying to get all the new guys here to use their talents,” he said.After a 3-0 defeat, Pakistan are at the bottom of the World Test Championship table. Their points percentage dropped from 16.67 to 14.81, with only two wins and eight points deducted for slow overs.