Former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has slammed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the host succumbed to Australia in the 3rd Test in Lahore. As a result, Pakistan also lost the three-match series by 1-0 margin.
Heading into the fifth day, the home side were well placed to win the Test match or at least secure a draw. But credit to The Australian bowlers for putting a brave performance to secure their first Test series win in Asia since 2011.
Nathan Lyon broke the backbone of Pakistan’s batting in the fifth day with a five-wicket haul while Pat Cummins scalped three to register a 115-run victory.
Shoaib Akhtar lashed out at PCB for their lackluster approach in the series. At the same time, he also lavished praises on the Pat Cummins-led side for playing brave cricket.
Speaking on a YouTube channel, the 46-year-old cricketer said:
“Absolutely disappointing series, this. Absolute nonsense. The mindset of both, the Pakistan Cricket Board and probably the team management, was to draw this series. Neither they should win, nor us; just end this series in a draw.”
He then went on to add:
“But hats off to Australians. I’m genuinely happy for them. This is not their home, none of these players played in Pakistan before; they came here and play(ed) brave cricket. The bowlers didn’t know when the ball reverses in such conditions but both, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins put in the hard hours to learn the skills of the trade here. Nathan Lyon, who hasn’t toured Pakistan yet, took a five-wicket haul.”
Talking of the series, the first two Tests ended in a draw at Rawalpindi and Karachi. However, the Aussies walked away with a 115-run triumph in the third and final Test to lift the trophy.
