England completed a 3-0 Test series whitewash against Pakistan

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has called for an honest assessment of the team’s shortcomings after England completed a 3-0 Test series whitewash against Pakistan on Saturday.

England defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the third Test at Edgbaston, completing a clean sweep and securing their first-ever home Test series whitewash against Pakistan.

Pakistan entered the England vs Pakistan Test series after a 1-1 draw against the West Indies but struggled throughout the tour. The visitors suffered a heavy innings-and-103-run defeat in Leeds before losing the second Test at Lord’s.

The poor results prompted significant changes to the Pakistan squad and coaching setup. Seven players were replaced during the series, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also dismissed.

Pakistan showed greater resistance in the third Test, particularly through the performances of debutant Razaullah and experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas. However, England eventually chased down their target of 130 runs to seal an eight-wicket victory and complete the 3-0 series win.

Babar Azam Calls for Pakistan Cricket Review

Babar Azam, who missed the first Test because of injury, said Pakistan must acknowledge their mistakes and identify the strongest possible playing XI for different conditions.

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

Asked whether he would continue as Pakistan Test captain, Babar answered yes while highlighting the importance of selecting players according to the conditions.

“Yes. But in different series you need players for the conditions, but the new boys have done well,” he said.

The Pakistan captain also praised the youngsters who received opportunities during the difficult England tour.

Babar Defends Pakistan’s Three-Pacer Strategy

Pakistan appeared to gain early confidence in England’s second innings when Mohammad Abbas claimed two wickets in the opening over.

However, England recovered quickly and secured victory through Joe Root and Jordan Cox.

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

Babar also defended Pakistan’s decision to leave out a specialist spinner, saying the conditions in England favoured fast bowling.

“Don’t think so,” Babar said when asked whether Pakistan had missed a spinner.

“The conditions have been grassy and that’s why we played with three fast bowlers.”

Razaullah Impresses on Pakistan Test Debut

Despite Pakistan’s 3-0 Test series defeat, debutant Razaullah emerged as one of the team’s most encouraging performers.

The 21-year-old scored 92 runs across both innings and claimed four wickets in his maiden Test appearance.

Babar praised the youngster’s potential, describing him as a “very good talent.”

The Pakistan captain also admitted that he had limited knowledge of Razaullah before the England tour.

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

“Before we came here, we had to think about the team, and we made a couple of changes. Coming to England, it is difficult for the batters and fast-bowling group.”