Former England captain Alastair Cook criticised England’s bowling performance on day three of the third and final Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Friday. The hosts struggled to contain Pakistan’s lower order, with debutant Razaullah producing a stunning counter-attacking knock to help the visitors set England a target of 130.
Pakistan resumed the day at 117/2 and eventually finished their second innings on 449. England’s bowlers found it difficult to make an impact on the best batting surface of the series, particularly against Razaullah, who walked in at No. 9 and smashed a record-equalling nine sixes.
The 21-year-old took the attack to England and made the most of the short deliveries offered to him. He faced 63 balls, with only six deliveries on target to hit the stumps. England captain Joe Root also appeared short of answers as his bowlers struggled to contain Pakistan’s lower order.
Razaullah and Mohammad Abbas put together a crucial 121-run partnership for the ninth wicket, frustrating England and putting Pakistan in a strong position. Cook was particularly unhappy with the lack of a clear plan against the tailenders.
“You can get done by the tail – it’s very hard when people have the license and ability to hit sixes,” Cook told the BBC Test Match Special.
“What I saw was no plan; it got out of control. That’s when you need the backroom staff and coaches to step up. I would have loved to have seen a message and some real leadership from the coaches,” he added.
Jonathan Agnew also questions England’s tactics
Former England pacer and renowned commentator Jonathan Agnew also criticised the hosts for their approach against Pakistan’s lower order. He felt England needed to establish greater control rather than allowing the tailenders to attack from the outset.
Razaullah equals Southee’s nine-sixes Test debut record
“You cannot and should not bowl like that to tailenders as soon as they come in,” he said. “You have to set the tone when you’re bowling against tailenders. Yes, you bowl aggressively, but in a controlled way. They are numbers nine and 10 for a reason. It was bitterly disappointing. Dan Lawrence is a part-time off-spinner, and he took the second new ball. If you’re looking for any aspect of the day that is utterly bonkers, that is it,” he added.
Agnew also questioned the decision to hand the second new ball to part-time off-spinner Dan Lawrence, calling it one of the most baffling decisions of the day.
Michael Vaughan warns England against repeating tactical mistakes
Former England captain Michael Vaughan shared similar concerns about the team’s tactics. While he backed England to win the Test, Vaughan warned that they could not afford to repeatedly make similar mistakes.
“We shouldn’t be surprised by England; they’ve delivered tactically like this on a regular basis. I think they’ll win this game, but they can’t keep making mistakes like that. The basics of Test cricket generally work, and that’s to hit the top of the stumps. It’s a bit of a warning sign that this attack is very good, but they aren’t the finished article just yet. Who are the characters in the team who are going to grab a hold of everyone and say, ‘Right, I’m going to make a moment’. I didn’t see it from anyone today,” he said.
