Pakistan vs England 2022

Babar Azam gives no-nonsense response on Saud Shakeel’s controversial dismissal against England in 2nd Test

Following the defeat in the second Test against England, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam shared his views on the controversial dismissal of Saud Shakeel in the fourth innings no day 4.

Shakeel, who was playing, arguably, the best knock of his Test cricket career, got out caught behind while trying to pull one down the leg side. Wicket-keeper, Ollie Pope dived to his right to take the catch. He got hold of it but the umpires weren’t sure whether the ball touched the ground or not.

Replays showed that some part of the ball did touch the ground but the third-umpire gave it as out, which led to a huge uproar on social media. Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam also echoed his views on the same, claiming that the third-umpire shouldn’t have given it out.

“It costed us, we did think the ball touched the ground, but as professionals, we accept the decision of the umpires.”

Saud Shakeel was batting on 94, at the time, and looked on course to take Pakistan over the line while chasing a 355-run target. His wicket, however, brought England closer to the win. Tailenders didn’t stay for too long as Pakistan were bundled out for 328, thereby falling 26 runs short.

Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam also expressed his disappointment over not batting well in their first innings. After Pakistan had bundled out England for 281, Babar Azam and Co. could only manage to score 202, in reply.

“Yes, we were not up to the mark in the first innings. We had a couple of soft dismissals. After that, we had a fightback in the bowling, and second innings, we fought well, but unfortunately, we did not finish it. We have a simple plan to carry on the momentum; we had good partnerships between Imam and Saud and then Saud and Nawaz.”

The third and final Test match between England and Pakistan is slated to be played from 17th December to 21st December 2022.