Saud Shakeel Says Difficult Conditions Have Made Batting Tough for Pakistan

Sports Correspondent : Imran Sohail

Pakistan batter Saud Shakeel has admitted that the challenging playing conditions in England have played a role in his team’s repeated batting collapses during the ongoing Test series.

Pakistan were dismissed for just 133 runs in 33.5 overs on the opening day of the third Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday. It was their fifth successive innings in the series in which they failed to score 200 runs.

England ended the day at 156-4, securing a 23-run lead after Pakistan’s bowlers briefly put the hosts under pressure.

Saud was Pakistan’s top scorer with 43 runs and said the amount of movement available to England’s bowlers had made batting particularly difficult.

“I was myself a little surprised by the conditions when I saw the first two Tests,” Saud said after the opening day.

He noted that the pitches Pakistan have faced during the series offered more lateral movement than those used during New Zealand’s tour of England earlier this year.

“Perhaps we are not as accustomed to playing in these conditions,” he added.

Pakistan Lose Four Wickets Early

Pakistan’s innings got off to a difficult start after England chose to bowl under overcast skies.

The visitors were reduced to 26-4 inside the first 10 overs, with Saim Ayub, Azan Awais, Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood departing cheaply.

Captain Babar Azam was then dismissed for seven, leaving Pakistan at 48-5.

Saud said the early phase of the innings was crucial because the conditions were expected to become more favorable for batting later in the day.

“There was a little moisture in the pitch early on and the overcast conditions were helping their bowlers,” he said.

According to Saud, Pakistan needed to survive that period and build partnerships because the pitch became easier to bat on as the day progressed.

Saud Accepts Responsibility for Batting Failures

While highlighting the difficult conditions, Saud made it clear that Pakistan’s batters also needed to take responsibility for their performances.

He acknowledged that the team had repeatedly lost wickets in clusters and said some dismissals were avoidable.

“We are making the same mistake repeatedly as a batting unit,” Saud said. “We are getting out in bunches.”

The 31-year-old also dismissed suggestions that Pakistan’s batting problems were mainly linked to players spending too much time in franchise cricket.

He said the team must accept responsibility and improve as a batting group.

Razaullah Impresses on Test Debut

Pakistan found encouragement in the performance of debutant fast bowler Razaullah.

The 21-year-old, playing only his ninth first-class match, made an immediate impact by dismissing experienced England batter Joe Root with just his fourth delivery in Test cricket.

Razaullah later removed Emilio Gay and finished the day with figures of 2-42 from nine overs. He repeatedly bowled at close to 90 mph.

Saud believes Pakistan need more fast bowlers capable of maintaining genuine pace throughout Test matches.

“We need them a lot,” he said, pointing to the importance of bowlers who can consistently operate at high speeds.

He also believes Razaullah’s raw pace can help him overcome his limited first-class experience.

“For express fast bowlers like him, even if they haven’t played a lot of first-class cricket, it doesn’t matter as much,” Saud said.

Pakistan Must Develop Razaullah Carefully

Saud stressed that Pakistan’s coaching staff and senior players will have an important role in helping Razaullah develop his abilities.

He said the team needs to provide the young pacer with a clear plan and ensure his pace and attacking skills are used effectively.

Razaullah’s spell gave Pakistan hope after England slipped to 39-3. However, Harry Brook and Emilio Gay responded with a 104-run partnership that shifted the momentum back toward England.

Gay was eventually dismissed for 60 by Razaullah, while Brook remained unbeaten on 52 at the close of play.

Saud Explains His Aggressive Batting

Saud’s 43 came from 47 deliveries as he tried to counter the pressure created by Pakistan’s early collapse.

He explained that his approach was based on the situation of the innings rather than a pre-planned attacking strategy.

“I try to play according to what the situation demands,” he said.

Mohammad Abbas contributed 21 runs, while Pakistan’s last-wicket pair added another 26. Josh Tongue was England’s leading bowler with 4-42, while Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer took three wickets apiece.

Despite another disappointing batting display, Saud believes Pakistan can still fight their way back into the match.

He pointed to the team’s bowling performance and said early wickets on the second morning could bring Pakistan back into contention.

“We started well with the ball,” Saud said. “If we can get them out early in the morning, there is still a good chance we can get back into the game.”