Pakistan Cricket: A Legacy of Triumphs, Chaos, and False Dawns

Pakistan cricket has long embodied a paradox—oscillating between brilliance and bewilderment. It is a team that, historically, has needed crisis as a catalyst for revival. The pattern is familiar: humiliation precedes resurgence. Time and again, it takes a crushing defeat—what one might metaphorically call a punch to the face or a kick to the gut—for Pakistan to reawaken. 

Consider the state of affairs before the second Test at Multan against England. The team was in shambles, still reeling from their World Cup misadventures the previous year, and their defeat in the opening Test only deepened the despair. Drastic changes followed: key players were dropped, sparking heated debate and confusion. Yet, by the close of Day 4 in Multan, the narrative had shifted dramatically. Pakistan had secured a convincing victory, momentarily quelling the chaos. But was this triumph a genuine turning point or just another fleeting glimmer of hope? 

Since the departure of Imran Khan from cricket, Pakistan has perfected the art of masking deep-rooted issues. They falter one week, bounce back the next, and create the illusion of stability. In reality, the problems are swept under the carpet, only to resurface later. What Pakistan cricket has lacked—and continues to lack—is a robust system that fosters resilience and consistency. Too often, they rely on bursts of individual brilliance rather than the reliability of a structured approach. 

A System Built on Whims, Not Wisdom

For over three decades, Pakistan cricket has thrived on unpredictability, depending on raw talent to carry the day. While this has resulted in some spectacular victories, the credit goes to gifted individuals rather than any coherent system. The team’s inability to cultivate dependable cricketers who can sustain their form across series reflects the absence of long-term planning. Players emerge, dazzle briefly, and then vanish without a trace. 

This tendency was exemplified in Multan, where the veteran spin duo of Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan reminded the world of Pakistan’s tradition of producing exceptional spinners. At a combined age of 69, both thrived on a pitch tailored to their strengths, securing seven-wicket hauls and etching their names in the record books. Their efforts joined the ranks of iconic performances such as Glenn McGrath and Michael Kasprowicz's feats at The Oval in 1997 and Fazal Mahmood’s heroics against Australia in 1956. 

Remarkably, this was only the third instance in Pakistan’s history where spinners took all 20 wickets in a Test match. Yet, the question lingers: why weren’t bowlers like Nauman and Sajid given such opportunities earlier on home soil? The answer lies in Pakistan’s penchant for inconsistency—using players sporadically and discarding them just as quickly. 

The Role of Intelligence in Team Building

Intelligence in cricket isn’t just about reading the pitch; it’s about selecting players best suited for each format and nurturing them with consistent opportunities. Pakistan’s long-standing tendency to rotate squads haphazardly—without a clear strategy—has hindered the development of a cohesive unit. In the longer formats, patience is essential. Players need to feel secure in their place, free from the constant fear that each match might be their last. 

A prime example of Pakistan’s potential lies in Kamran Ghulam, who could emerge as the solution to the team’s middle-order woes in both Tests and ODIs. Similarly, the likes of Asad Shafiq, Saud Shakeel, and Salman Ali Agha offer promise. With a blend of experience and youth, these players could form the backbone of the batting order, while Aamer Jamal and Mohammad Rizwan provide the finishing touch. But this vision will only materialize if Pakistan cricket embraces a culture of consistency and planning. 

Leadership and Legacy: Beyond Short-Term Success

A key factor in Pakistan’s future success will be leadership. The captain must lead by example, guiding the team through rough patches with composure and clarity. More than ever, the need for capable backups is vital, ensuring that the team has depth across all formats. Yet leadership alone cannot solve systemic issues—it must be accompanied by institutional reforms that prioritize long-term growth over short-term fixes. 

Levelling the series against England may offer temporary relief, but for Pakistan cricket to truly rise, it must transcend its reliance on spontaneous brilliance. A system built on consistency, intelligence, and foresight is the only sustainable way forward. 

The Road Ahead: From Chaos to Consistency

Pakistan’s cricketing history is punctuated with moments of glory, but those moments have often been followed by periods of decline. This cycle of chaos and resurgence has become all too familiar. The challenge now is to break free from this pattern and build a system that nurtures talent methodically. Pakistan must learn from its past—not merely celebrate victories or lament defeats but strive for consistency across all formats. 

In the end, it’s not enough to survive on gifted talent alone. Pakistan cricket needs to cultivate a culture where success isn’t a product of whim but the result of strategy, patience, and vision. Only then can Pakistan move from being a team of mercurial highs and lows to one that dominates the cricketing world consistently and meaningfully.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar   

Pakistan Change Its Colour: Bold Selection Shake-up

In a surprising and decisive move, Pakistan's cricket hierarchy has opted to drop star players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah from the remaining Test matches against England. This decision signals a significant shift in selection philosophy, one that challenges the notion that individual stardom guarantees a permanent spot in the Test lineup.

The message is clear: wearing the Pakistan Test jersey demands more than talent—it requires unwavering commitment, respect for the five-day grind, and alignment with the broader team vision. While this move may seem drastic, it reflects an underlying recognition that Test cricket requires not just brilliance but consistency, intent, and long-term investment from its players.

In the short term, this decision could result in further setbacks on the field. Pakistan, already trailing in the series, may still struggle to match England’s intensity. However, the significance of this shake-up extends beyond immediate results. It hints at a larger cultural shift - one where reputations are no longer immune to scrutiny, and selection is rooted in merit rather than name recognition.

If managed well, this new approach could reshape Pakistan’s cricketing fundamentals, emphasizing quality over sentiment. It also suggests a commitment to building a sustainable production chain of cricketers, where emerging talents are rewarded, and complacency is no longer tolerated. The long road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but a future where the Test side reflects Pakistan’s best - both in skill and in attitude- appears more attainable than ever.

In a sport often resistant to change, such bold decisions require conviction and a willingness to bear short-term pain for long-term gain. Only time will tell whether this gamble pays off, but it undeniably marks a step towards accountability in Pakistan’s cricketing structure—a reminder that the Test shirt must be earned, not inherited.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Brook’s Brilliance and Pakistan’s Collapse: A Tragicomedy in Multan

The fourth day of the Multan Test will be remembered for two starkly contrasting narratives: Harry Brook’s rise to greatness and Pakistan’s steady unravelling. England’s fearless cricket, embodied in Brook’s remarkable innings, was met with a Pakistan team adrift, their captain Shan Masood smiling through the carnage like a figure lost in a tragicomedy. The field seemed a stage where Pakistan’s players resembled characters in a surreal, disjointed film, while Brook and Joe Root methodically dismantled what was left of Pakistan’s resolve.

Shan Masood’s leadership - or lack thereof - was glaringly evident. As the Pakistani captain, his body language was baffling, wandering across the field with a casual smile that felt entirely out of place. 

Comparisons to the Joker, with his unsettling grin masking deeper confusion, were apt. It wasn’t just that Masood’s team was losing; it was the apparent lack of direction that made the loss all the more painful. 

He seemed to exude an air of detachment as if the gravity of the situation hadn’t yet dawned on him. This is not the hallmark of a leader who commands respect or control over his team.

Babar Azam, a player of immense individual talent, looked more like a disoriented figure on this particular day. Labelled whimsically as the "Lady Gaga of Joker 2," Babar was a shadow of his usual self. His focus and commitment have raised questions, with a dropped catch at a critical juncture turning the tide further in England’s favour. That missed chance allowed Joe Root to escape on 186, and from there, the dominance only intensified.

Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, a man known for his grit, seemed to be mentally elsewhere, enduring the scorching heat behind the stumps. His usual sharpness was missing as the Pakistan bowling attack, spearheaded by the once-dominant Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, faltered. 

The analogy of the two running in like schoolboys rather than the heirs of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis could not have been more cutting. Shaheen’s failure to make the ball talk, combined with Naseem’s lack of penetration, exposed the hollowness in Pakistan’s once-formidable pace attack.

The rest of the team appeared to be mere costars in this tragic play, underperforming, demoralized, and out of ideas. Their collective inability to rise to the occasion, despite the mounting pressure, made the English dominance all the more painful to watch.

While Pakistan crumbled, Harry Brook stood tall, playing an innings that will go down in Test cricket lore. His performance was not just a display of skill but a bold declaration of the future of the game. 

Brook’s knock of 300 was more than an individual milestone; it symbolised a new generation of cricketers who approach the Test format with the same aggressive mindset cultivated in limited-overs cricket.

Joe Root, the seasoned campaigner, was the perfect foil to Brook’s youthful exuberance. Together, their partnership of 454 runs against Pakistan was an exhibition of England’s modern-day “Bazball” philosophy, where aggression is no longer the enemy of patience. It was a performance that effectively bled Pakistan dry. The dropped catch by Babar Azam only added to the symbolism of the moment—a Pakistan side falling apart in the face of unrelenting pressure.

Brook’s ability to shift gears at will stood out. He began his innings with the restraint of a classical Test batsman, respecting the conditions and the opposition. Yet, as Pakistan’s bowlers began to tire, Brook became an aggressor. His crisp footwork against spin, ability to find gaps, and clean, powerful hitting turned the contest into a one-sided affair. His use of the crease—dancing down the wicket to smother spin or rocking back to cut and pull—was a masterclass in how to play spin in subcontinental conditions.

It wasn’t just the runs but the strike rate at which Brook amassed them that set his innings apart. His 300 came at a pace unheard of in Test cricket’s traditional approach, further emphasizing the changing dynamics of the game. Brook’s triple century was a feast for purists and a signal of where the game is headed: innovation and aggression are no longer confined to the shorter formats.

Pakistan’s performance resembled a farcical tragedy. 

In this drama, Shan Masood’s hollow smiles and clueless leadership brought to mind the tragicomedy of characters like Beckett’s Vladimir and Estragon, endlessly waiting for something - anything - that might turn their fortunes around. But no rescue came, and the team was left exposed under the relentless assault of Brook and Root.

Meanwhile, England, led by the indefatigable Joe Root and the rising star Harry Brook, delivered a performance straight out of a Shakespearean epic. Brook, the young prince, ascended to greatness in the oppressive heat of Multan, displaying the kind of brilliance that turns players into legends. In a sense, his innings felt like a coronation—a young knight stepping into the realm of the cricketing greats.

Root’s dismissal, finally falling LBW to Salman Agha, felt like the briefest of interruptions in an otherwise flawless narrative. His innings, extended by Babar’s fateful dropped catch, added an almost tragic irony to Pakistan’s misery. 

Brook’s innings was a reflection of where Test cricket stands today, poised between the old and the new. While traditionalists might yearn for the days of grinding out innings, Brook’s 300 showed that aggression, when channelled correctly, can coexist with patience and endurance. His innings embodied the modern ethos of Test cricket—fast-paced, fearless, and dynamic.

At just 25, Brook’s maturity and adaptability in Multan signalled the arrival of a new superstar, one who will likely shape the future of Test cricket. His performance will be remembered not only for the runs but for the way he played them, methodically, elegantly, and with aggression that signalled the changing tide in the game.

In the end, as Pakistan’s players left the field defeated, their disjointed efforts stood in stark contrast to England’s fluid, attacking cricket. 

Brook’s triple century may well be remembered as a turning point in the annals of Test cricket, a moment when the future took its first real strides into the present. For Pakistan, the match will serve as a bitter reminder that smiles alone can’t win matches; in the end, strategy, grit, and determination are what separate champions from the rest.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Pakistan Feels the Heat: Root and Brook Punish The Host

On a benign, placid deck, the English batsmen revelled in what was little more than a leisurely exercise against a toothless Pakistani bowling attack. They scored at an impressive rate of five runs per over until fatigue set in, slowing the pace only slightly to 4.87 runs per over across 101 overs—an ideal demonstration of modern-day cricket on a flat pitch, where bowlers lacking bite pose little threat.

Among the Englishmen, it was Harry Brook who appeared to savour the conditions most. It was on England's previous tour of Pakistan that Brook announced his arrival to the world, amassing 468 runs at an average of 93.60, including centuries in all three Tests. Once more, Brook picked up where he left off, resuming his mastery over Pakistan’s bowling unit.

His half-century came in just 49 deliveries, marking his fifth score of fifty-plus in six innings against this opposition. His second fifty was more measured, taking 69 balls, but even so, his strike rate hovered around the 80-plus mark. By no means was Brook finished; he seemed poised to inflict even more damage on the beleaguered Pakistani attack.

The Yorkshire duo of Root and Brook forged a monumental 243-run stand (and counting), the third consecutive century partnership in the innings. Earlier, Zak Crawley’s fluent 78 and Ben Duckett’s solid 84 provided the platform, contributing to 109- and 136-run partnerships for the second and third wickets, respectively.

Yet, the day truly belonged to Joe Root, who ascended to the pinnacle of English Test cricket by becoming the highest run-scorer in England’s history. Since his debut against India at Nagpur in 2012, Root’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable.

Root’s ascent to this historic milestone, surpassing Sir Alastair Cook’s long-standing record, has elevated him from a player of enormous promise to an undisputed legend. His journey has not been merely about accumulating runs; it is the story of a cricketer who has shouldered the weight of his team’s hopes across different eras, often standing as the lone bulwark against opposition attacks. His technique is a masterful blend of classical strokeplay and modern aggression, allowing him to adapt seamlessly to any scenario.

What distinguishes Root is not just his consistency but his ability to marry elegance with pragmatism. His innings can be as patient and composed as they are expansive and aggressive, depending on what the situation demands. His deep cricketing intellect, coupled with his adaptability to varying conditions, is what has made him a towering figure in English cricket.

Across a career filled with highs and lows, Root’s batting has been the one constant. From his debut as a fresh-faced prodigy, through his Ashes heroics, to his tenure as captain, Root has been the backbone of England’s Test side. Even as English cricket transitioned through turbulent phases—the retirements of Kevin Pietersen and Cook, the struggles in foreign conditions—Root’s bat remained steady, guiding his team through rough waters.

Root’s record-breaking achievement is more than just a statistical marvel; it’s a testament to his resilience, endurance, and mastery of the game’s mental and technical demands. His runs are not just numbers—they are emblematic of his ability to withstand the rigours of international cricket: long tours, form fluctuations, and the immense scrutiny that accompanies the captaincy. Root’s unflappable composure in the face of such challenges amplifies the significance of his record.

Particularly noteworthy is Root’s prowess on spinning tracks, where many of his contemporaries have faltered. Whether in India, Sri Lanka, or Pakistan, Root has not just survived but thrived, often posting his most memorable innings in these conditions. His mastery of the sweep shot, coupled with nimble footwork and patience, has made him a standout player in the subcontinent.

There is a poetic justice to Root surpassing Cook, two men who have come to symbolize English cricket in different eras. While Cook was the torchbearer for England in the early 21st century, Root now assumes that role in a time when Test cricket is grappling with its place amidst the rise of limited-overs formats. Root’s achievements underscore the enduring value of Test cricket, a format that demands skill, patience, and mental fortitude in ways shorter formats do not.

Joe Root’s journey is far from over. At an age where many batsmen are still at their peak, there is little doubt that his legacy will continue to grow. Yet, at this moment, as England’s leading run-scorer in Test cricket, Root stands not only as a symbol of English cricket’s past and present but also as a beacon for its future.

In Root, England has not only found a prolific batsman but also a cricketer whose story embodies the very spirit of Test cricket - an exquisite blend of skill, patience, and unyielding resolve. As he continues to script new chapters in his remarkable career, Root’s place among the pantheon of cricket’s greats is firmly secured.

Looking ahead, Day 4 promises more records for Root, as he is likely to add more runs to his already impressive tally.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Joe Root: A Record-breaking Journey To The Pinnacle of English Cricket

Joe Root's ascent to become England's highest run-getter in Test cricket history is a monumental achievement, emblematic not only of individual brilliance but also of an era-defining career. Surpassing the great Sir Alastair Cook, Root has now etched his name indelibly into the annals of English cricket. But this record is not merely about numbers; it is the culmination of a journey that reflects resilience, technique, mental fortitude, and an extraordinary ability to adapt and evolve in the most challenging form of the game. Root’s trajectory offers a fascinating study of the dynamics of modern Test cricket, where classical techniques meet contemporary demands.

Early Beginnings: A Child Prodigy

Root's rise to prominence was marked early on by his natural talent. Born in Sheffield in 1990, his cricketing journey began in Yorkshire, a county known for producing some of England's finest cricketers. His technique was honed on traditional English pitches, where patience and concentration became his strongest virtues. These early years laid the foundation for a career that would see him become not just a run machine but a quintessential ambassador for the classical art of Test match batting.

Root’s debut came in December 2012 against India in Nagpur. His composed 73 runs in the first innings signalled the arrival of a player with a deep understanding of the game, one who thrived under pressure. He quickly became a mainstay of the England lineup, earning accolades for his temperament, footwork, and versatility in playing both pace and spin.

The Evolution of Technique and Mental Fortitude

Root’s brilliance lies in his ability to evolve. As bowlers around the world devised strategies to counter his classical style, Root adapted. His technique became more fluid, and he began incorporating innovative strokes, displaying an ability to manipulate the field and rotate strike, especially against spin. But it wasn’t just technical adaptability that made Root great; it was his mental strength. Time and again, Root has shown an uncanny ability to grind through difficult phases, accumulating runs patiently while ensuring he remains the anchor around which England’s batting revolves.

Throughout his career, Root has displayed a balance between aggression and caution, never overindulging in risky strokes but always maintaining a tempo that kept bowlers on edge. His cover drives played with a surgeon's precision, and the wristy flicks through midwicket have become hallmarks of his batting.

Leadership and Burden of Captaincy

Root’s career reached new heights when he was appointed captain of the England Test team in 2017. The burden of leadership often weighs heavily on players, but Root embraced it. He managed to balance his duties as a captain while maintaining his form with the bat, a feat few can boast of. Despite periods of inconsistency in team performances and the challenges of leading during the COVID-19 pandemic, Root’s personal form remained stellar. He crafted many of his most iconic innings during this period, including a masterful 228 against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2021 and a crucial 180* against India at Lord's later that year.

The Record-Breaking Moment

Root’s record-breaking innings was a reflection of his longevity and consistency in Test cricket. Surpassing Sir Alastair Cook’s tally of 12,472 runs was not just a statistical triumph but also a symbolic passing of the torch between two modern giants of English cricket. Cook, with his steadfast approach and insatiable hunger for runs, was the epitome of grit and endurance. Root, while similarly resilient, added a flair and modern touch to his game that made him adaptable across all conditions.

Root’s accomplishment is made more significant by the era in which he has played. Test cricket has evolved dramatically, with shorter tours, the rise of T20 leagues, and varying pitches that often favour bowlers. Root has managed to thrive despite these shifts, not only excelling on traditional English pitches but also conquering the subcontinent, Australia, and South Africa. His ability to score runs across conditions underscores his adaptability, mental toughness, and technical prowess.

Legacy Beyond Numbers

Root’s record is undeniably a testament to his longevity and consistency, but his legacy extends beyond mere statistics. He has been a torchbearer for England’s batting across an era of change, playing with elegance and precision in an era increasingly dominated by white-ball cricket. His contribution to England’s game, both as a player and captain, has been immense, providing stability during turbulent times for the team.

Moreover, Root’s charm lies in his humility and understated personality. Despite the pressures of captaincy and the expectations that come with being England’s premier batsman, he has remained grounded. His dedication to the game, respect for its traditions, and willingness to constantly improve have endeared him to fans and teammates alike.

The Road Ahead

At 33, Joe Root still has much to offer. His hunger for runs shows no signs of diminishing, and with his experience, he continues to be a vital cog in the England Test team. While the weight of leadership has been passed on to Ben Stokes, Root’s role as a senior statesman remains crucial. The future may yet hold more records for him to break, and it’s not far-fetched to imagine Root becoming one of the few to surpass the 13,000-run mark in Test cricket—a testament to both his greatness and endurance.

Joe Root’s rise to become England’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket is more than a historical footnote. It is a story of perseverance, class, and a deep-seated love for the game. Root’s achievements reflect the essence of Test cricket itself—an arena where patience, skill, and mental resilience are paramount. His record is a celebration not only of his talent but of the artistry of batting, and his legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of cricketers. As England's modern-day batting colossus, Root stands tall, embodying the very best of Test cricket in a fast-changing cricketing world.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

England's Aggressive Approach Pushes Pakistan to the Brink in Multan

Despite amassing an imposing total at a measured scoring rate of 3.73 over 149 overs, Pakistan’s advantage might prove fleeting against an England side that thrives on aggression. The nature of modern Test cricket, combined with the dynamics of the Multan pitch, casts doubt on Pakistan’s ability to sustain pressure. England’s batsmen, known for their fearless and fluid style, are already countering the conventional rhythms of Test cricket, cruising at a brisk rate of 4.8 runs per over. This signals more than just intent—it’s a declaration of dominance.

Tomorrow, England will likely continue this aggressive approach, wearing down Pakistan’s bowling attack by forcing them to chase the ball across a placid, batting-friendly surface. The physical toll on Pakistan’s bowlers will be palpable, but the psychological toll might be even greater. An attack that lacks the venom to curb England’s momentum will find itself unraveling as the day progresses. England’s strategy is not simply to score runs, but to sap Pakistan’s energy and, crucially, their confidence. A demoralized bowling unit is a step toward dismantling the opposition’s resolve, and England seems acutely aware of Pakistan's mental fragility in such scenarios. They understand that this Pakistani team struggles to rebound once the pressure begins to mount.

The morning session will be critical. If England can dominate early, the day may slip irreversibly from Pakistan’s grasp. With a mentally fragile bowling attack and a pitch offering little aid, the prospect of a long and grueling day looms for Pakistan.

The changing landscape of Test cricket demands adaptability. While the fundamentals of patience, technique, and discipline remain intact, the infusion of aggression—particularly in scoring—has become an essential part of success. In modern Test matches, run rate is not just a statistic but a weapon. By pushing the scoring tempo, a team can break the rhythm of the opposition, exposing their vulnerabilities. England has mastered this art, blending tradition with innovation to systematically dismantle bowling attacks.

Pakistan, however, is yet to embrace this evolution. Sticking to familiar but outdated methods, they find themselves ill-equipped to handle the intensity of an aggressive, modern Test team. Until they learn to combine classical skills with this new mantra of high-pressure, fast-paced cricket, they will remain vulnerable to teams like England, who exploit every crack in the opposition’s armor.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar