Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja has offered crucial insights into the challenges confronting the Pakistani cricket team during their demanding series against Australia, marked by a significant 360-run loss in the first Test.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Raja emphasized the necessity for strategic improvements in leadership, batting, and bowling roles to effectively address the upcoming challenges.
Raja particularly emphasized the importance of hard work for Shan Masood, the designated captain, urging him to make a resounding statement with his bat to solidify his position within the team and against the opposition.
“Shan Masood needs hard work as a captain, as a leader because this is going to be a tough series for him. Until he gives a statement with his bat, he won’t be able to establish himself in the dressing room or on the opposition,” Raja stated.
Recognizing the challenges of transitioning into the captaincy role, Raja advised providing encouragement and support to Babar Azam. He emphasized the importance of boosting Babar’s morale to ensure consistent top-notch performance.
“Similarly, Babar Azam needs to be seated and encouraged because when captaincy is taken away from you, you tend to go low [on motivation],” he added.
Raja also called for a transformation in the role of fast bowler Shaheen Afridi. Urging Afridi to emerge as a leader in the bowling department, he highlighted the need for Afridi to create a lasting impression and become the driving force in the team’s bowling lineup.
“Shaheen Afridi needs to come out as a lethal bowler. It’s not that he plays as a filler. Conditions in Australia are much better. If you can’t create magic, especially in Perth, then your established impression in this circuit gets hurt. He needs to become the leader of the pack,” Raja emphasized.
In conclusion, Raja called for a reevaluation of Sarfaraz Ahmed’s role in the team, particularly in facing top-paced bowling in Australian conditions.
“We need to review Sarfaraz’s role again. I think, facing top pace bowling in Australia will be challenging with the bat for him.
Pakistan needs to quickly assess whether to play Sarfaraz because we need his all-round ability, not only as a keeper behind the stumps but also as a batsman, or do we play Rizwan because he plays pace bowling well,” he concluded.
As the Pakistani team grapples with these insights, Raja’s analysis provides a roadmap for potential adjustments, fostering resilience and strategic adaptability in the face of formidable Australian opposition.
