Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja was highly critical of Pakistan’s performance after their humbling at the hands of Australia in the first Test in Perth on December 17.
In a display of sheer dominance, Australia handed Pakistan a crushing defeat in the first Test match at Perth. The Pakistani team, led by Shan Masood after Babar Azam stepped down from captaincy post-World Cup 2023, struggled to cope with the Australian pace attack on a challenging pitch that offered variable bounce and movement.
| AUS vs PAK, 1st Test Scorecard |
Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins relentlessly targeted the visitors, culminating in Pakistan being bowled out for a paltry 89 runs in their second innings. This marked a continuation of Pakistan’s losing streak in Australia, which has now extended to 15 Tests without a win since their last victory in 1995.
The Australian bowlers were particularly lethal, with Starc and Hazlewood each taking three wickets, Cummins claiming one, and Nathan Lyon two, including his 500th Test wicket, joining an elite group of bowlers.
Pakistan’s batting order crumbled under pressure, with the middle-order collapsing for just 14 runs in less than five overs. Australia declared their second innings at 233-5, setting a target of 450, and ultimately secured a commanding 360-run victory over Pakistan, underscoring the gulf between the two sides in the contest.
Pakistan’s performance was criticised by fans and critics, with Raja being the latest one. Taking to X, the former PCB chairman said that intent and technique was missing from Pakistan’s ‘resistance menu’ in Perth and said that being bundled out in 31 overs was disappointing.
Raja also said that Australia were on another level on the day.
“Intent and technique were both missing from Pak’s ‘resistance menu’. Blown away in just 31overs in the second knock was disappointing. Aussies were on another levelâæ,” said Raja on X.
