Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged the team’s shortcomings after a heavy opening-Test defeat and expressed hope for Babar Azam’s return.
LEEDS: Pakistan stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha has admitted that England exposed weaknesses across the board in the opening Test, while expressing hope that former captain Babar Azam will return for the next match.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Salman acknowledged that Pakistan were comprehensively outplayed and failed to execute their plans consistently enough at international level.
“England outclassed us in every department,” Salman said, adding that Pakistan repeatedly struggled to deliver when it mattered most.
The defeat has raised concerns over Pakistan’s preparations for the demanding conditions in England. Salman said the team arrived only about a week before the series began, leaving limited time for players to adjust to the conditions.
“We always face tough challenges in England,” he said, stressing that adapting to local conditions requires sufficient time and experience.
Pakistan’s batting was a major concern in the Test. The visitors were dismissed for 171 in their first innings before being bowled out for 135 in the second, allowing England to secure a comprehensive innings victory.
Salman also acknowledged that several senior batters are struggling for form. He included himself, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel among the players whose lack of runs has become a significant concern for the team.
Despite the difficult start, the stand-in captain insisted Pakistan have enough talent to improve.
“We are going through a difficult rebuilding phase,” Salman said, describing the current side as a team being developed with the future in mind.
He also acknowledged that Pakistan’s bowling attack is relatively young and inexperienced but said difficult overseas tours could provide valuable experience for the players in the long run.
A potential boost for Pakistan could come through the return of Babar Azam. Salman expressed hope that the former captain would be fully fit and available for the next Test.
Babar’s return could add experience and stability to a batting lineup that struggled significantly in the opening match.
With two Tests remaining, Pakistan now face the challenge of responding strongly after a one-sided defeat. Salman stressed that the current standard of performance is not acceptable and urged the team to improve its execution in overseas conditions.
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