Aqib Javed defends Pakistan’s bowling style in home Tests

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Pakistan Interim Head Coach Aqib Javed has described the team’s performance in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. He feels that if better decisions had been made earlier, the men in green would have been in contention for the WTC final.

The former fast bowler defended his team’s shift to spin bowling in recent home Tests. Pakistan have produced level-shifters in the last few Tests at home and will continue to adopt the same strategy for the upcoming home series against the West Indies.

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Aaqib Javed in Pakistan’s performance in the current WTC cycle

Speaking to reporters ahead of the second Test between Pakistan and West Indies, Aqib Javed was asked about the team’s overall WTC cycle performance. Javed wants his team to win every Test at home as he understands that the main objective of the World Test Championship is to do well at home.

“People question the direction of our Test cricket. If better decisions had been taken earlier, we could have been in the WTC final or at least in the tournament,” Javed said.

“The main objective of the World Test Championship is to win at home at any cost. If you win at home and can win at least 2-3 overseas Tests, you are a strong candidate for the final,” he said.

Pakistan have not been at their best in Tests at home this WTC cycle. After the T20 World Cup 2024, they lost 0-2 to Bangladesh and then lost the first Test of the series to England.

They lost away games to Australia and South Africa in this round to qualify for the finals of the World Test Championship. They are currently eighth out of nine teams in the WTC standings.

Aqib Javed defends Pakistan’s spin-friendly strategy at home

Aqib Javed also defended the team’s strategy to develop surfaces that are comfortable to roam around at home. Javed felt the need to pick a team based on the pitch and conditions, which is why Sajid Khan was left out of the squad for the tour of South Africa.

“Recently we went to South Africa and needed just two wickets to win by 48 runs in the bank. But unfortunately we couldn’t take the last two wickets. There was no spin in that team. You have to pick the team. With the conditions,” the former Pakistan pacer added.

Noman Ali and Sajid Khan have been at the forefront of Pakistan’s domestic Test success over the past few months. The duo helped the Men in Green win the last two Tests to win the series against England. However, neither played in the Test series in South Africa, which Pakistan lost 0-2.

Pakistan won the second Test.

Currently, Pakistan have a 1-0 lead in the ongoing Test series against West Indies. The second and final Test of the series will begin on January 25 in Multan. It is expected to be useful for re-driving as in the first test.

Noman Ali and Sajid Khan led the way in the team’s win in the first Test. Left-arm spinner Noman picked up six wickets in the match which included a five-wicket haul in the first innings.

On the other hand, the finalist Sajid Khan finished as the player of the match with 4-65 and 5-50 in both innings. Pakistan will be the favorites going into the second Test and will be expected to complete a whitewash.