Pakistan cricket team, led by Shan Masood, has found itself at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship standings after a shocking defeat by the West Indies in the second Test. This loss, following a dominant 127-run victory in the first Test, has left the hosts questioning their strategy, particularly their reliance on turning pitches. Despite winning a series against England a few months ago, Pakistan’s tactics failed against the West Indies, who clinched a victory in Pakistan for the first time in 35 years.
The idea of preparing pitches to favor spinners worked during the England series, but it didnāt deliver results this time. Pakistanās failure to learn from past mistakes, like the 2-0 sweep against Bangladesh, has been heavily criticized. The team, despite having talented players like Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Saud Shakeel, struggled against the West Indies’ spin attack, with many key batters failing when it mattered the most.
Former captain Rashid Latif expressed his disappointment, pointing out that the teamās preparation and ability to learn from past losses were lacking. The failure of Pakistan’s openers and middle order to perform, combined with a lack of long-term planning, has put them in a precarious position at the bottom of the Test rankings.
Whatās more concerning is that Pakistan has also struggled at home, on pitches that were specifically prepared for spinners. While the team management, including interim coach Aaqib Javed, believed spin would be their strength, Pakistan’s batters were unable to post competitive totals. Even in their narrow win in the first Test, they struggled to reach 230 and 157.
Shoaib Akhtar, former speedster, emphasized the importance of balance in pitch preparation. He argued that while spinners may be Pakistanās strength, the team must also give fast bowlers a chance to shine, as the country has a rich history of world-class pace bowlers. Shoaibās point is clear: Pakistan needs a balanced approach, not short-term solutions.
Looking ahead, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) must consider a long-term strategy that includes fostering both spin and pace. They can learn from countries like Australia, India, and England, who have invested in player development to build strong, adaptable teams capable of winning in all conditions. For Pakistan to succeed internationally, they need a more comprehensive and forward-thinking approach.
