ENG vs PAK: Babar Speaks on Pakistan Defeat, Urges Squad Review After 3-0 Whitewash

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has backed the team’s young players but called for a review of the Test side after England completed a 3-0 series victory. Babar said Pakistan now need to identify their strongest combination while continuing to select players according to the conditions they face.

The series ended with an eight-wicket defeat in the third Test, despite Pakistan making England work early in the chase. Mohammad Abbas removed two batters in the opening over to raise hopes of a closer finish, but England recovered to complete the win.

“Belief was high with two wickets in the first over, but they played very well,” Babar stated.

The result also marked England’s first 3-0 home Test series whitewash against Pakistan. The visitors had already made significant changes during the series, including seven alterations to the playing group as well as changes to the coaching staff after the defeat at Lord’s.

Babar, who missed the first Test because of injury, said Pakistan needed to take responsibility for the problems exposed during the tour rather than simply focus on individual performances.

“We need to sit down and admit our mistakes, and then work out our best XI,” said Babar at the post-match presentation.

The captain confirmed that he would continue in the Test leadership role and said the team could not rely on the same combination in every country. He also highlighted the performances of Pakistan’s newcomers, who were given opportunities during the series.

“Yes,” said Babar on continuing as Pakistan Test captain. “But [in] different series you need players for the conditions, but the new boys have done well.”

One of those newcomers was Razaullah, who made an immediate impact on debut. The 21-year-old finished the match with 92 runs across Pakistan’s two innings and four wickets, earning praise from Babar after his first Test.

The captain admitted Razaullah had not been a player he knew extensively before the tour, although his batting for Peshawar had brought him into consideration.

“Not too much, to be honest. I learned about his batting, as he came in as an opener [for Peshawar].”

Babar also defended Pakistan’s decision to field three fast bowlers instead of including a specialist spinner. He said the surface and conditions had favoured pace throughout the Test.

“Don't think so,” said Babar when asked about missing a spinner. “The conditions have been grassy and that's why we played with three fast bowlers.”

The defeat leaves Pakistan with plenty to assess before their next Test assignment, with Babar insisting that the team must now determine which players give them the best balance for the conditions ahead.