LONDON, September 12: Pakistan captain Babar Azam has defended the team combination used in the third Test against England, saying conditions did not require an additional spinner despite Pakistan suffering another defeat and losing the three-match series 3-0.
Speaking to the media after the match, Babar said the pitch had enough grass to justify Pakistan’s decision to field three fast bowlers and one all-rounder. He said the team must acknowledge its mistakes and learn from them following the series defeat.
The loss completed England’s 3-0 series sweep and marked Pakistan’s first Test series whitewash against England on home soil.
Babar Explains Bowling Combination
Babar said he did not believe Pakistan needed another specialist spinner for the third Test because the surface appeared favourable to pace bowling.
According to the Pakistan captain, the visible grass on the pitch influenced the selection of three frontline fast bowlers along with an all-rounder.
He added that Pakistan now needed to review its mistakes and improve rather than dwell on the result.
Babar Praises Razaullah’s Innings
Babar also praised Razaullah’s batting performance, saying the Pakistan dressing room enjoyed watching his innings.
He said he did not know much about Razaullah before the match but had heard that the young batter had already scored a century in first-class cricket.
Razaullah’s performance emerged as one of the positives for Pakistan despite the team’s overall defeat in the series.
England Chase Down 130-Run Target
Pakistan set England a target of 130 runs in the final Test, which the hosts chased for the loss of two wickets.
Joe Root remained unbeaten on 62, while Jordan Cox scored an unbeaten 59 to guide England to victory.
Mohammad Abbas claimed both England wickets for Pakistan.
Dan Lawrence was named Player of the Match for the third Test, while Mohammad Abbas and Ollie Robinson shared the Player of the Series award.
England’s victory sealed a 3-0 result in the three-match Test series, leaving Pakistan to assess its selection, execution and overall performance after a difficult campaign.