Abbas, Haris fit for 2nd test against South Africa
Last updated on: 29 December,2018 11:12 pm
Sarfraz says it is everyone's responsibility to fix batting problems
CENTURION (Web Desk) – Cricketers Muhammad Abbas and Haris Sohail are fit for playing second test match against South Africa, skipper Sarfraz Ahmad told the media.
While commenting on defeat in the first test match, Sarfraz said, “it is everyone’s responsibility” including the coaching staff, to try and fix the batting department after yet another collapse as they lost the first Test against the Proteas in Centurion on Friday.
After being bowled out for 181 in the first innings, Pakistan fought back with the ball and dismissed the hosts for just 223.
The tourists were then well on their way to a match-winning lead when they found themselves 101-1 in the second innings only to crumble to 194 all out to give the hosts a target of 149, which they knocked off on day three to win by six wickets.
Sarfraz told reporters after the game in Centurion: “We are struggling in the second innings. We get a good start but whenever one wicket falls, we are not able to take control of the match.
“This has been happening for over two years, since Hamilton 2016. It has been so long we now need to realise where we’ve made mistakes. It is everyone’s responsibility, including the coaching staff’s.
“We lost too many wickets by playing loose shots. We get under pressure too quickly and it becomes mentally challenging in the second and fourth innings.”
Pakistan just have a few days to recover and work on their batting problems as the second Test of the three-match series against the Proteas starts at Newlands on 3 January.