Former Pakistan captain claims, 'England were 20 to 30 runs short' despite breaking world record
Although England managed to register the highest ODI total of all-time during the 3rd match at Trent Bridge, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has come up with a bizarre claim that they were 20 to 30 runs short.
During a post-match analysis show on PTV Sports, the erstwhile wicket-keeper attributed the home team’s contentment with 444 to boredom which had crept into their batsmen in the final few overs.
Latif believed, “In my opinion, England were 20 to 30 runs short as their batsmen had gotten tired by spanking boundaries. They may go on to score more than 444 in the remaining two matches.“
After winning the toss on a flat surface, skipper Eoin Morgan opted to bat. Despite losing an early wicket, opener Alex Hales stormed his way past the highest individual ODI score made by an Englishman.
The likes of Joe Root and Jos Buttler also chipped in with notable contributions as did Morgan himself. For the visitors, speedster Wahab Riaz carved out an ignominious place for himself in Pakistan’s cricket history by conceding the most runs in an ODI for them. Up against a record total, they could only reach 275 and handed over the series to England.
However, Latif welcomed the 169-run loss in a hope that the team management would finally decide to revamp their set-up. He also wanted the change to happen from the top with Azhar Ali removed from captaincy.
The 47-year old quipped, “Had England put up 300 and Pakistan lost the match by 50, it would not have had such an impact. With such a heavy drubbing, there are chances of changes in Pakistan cricket.”
Also Read: Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif asks Mickey Arthur not to speak often with the media
On the lackluster showing from comeback man Mohammad Amir, he felt, “Amir is making a return after five years. He has been utilized in four Tests, then he was made to play against Ireland to win the contest. He is being treated in a similar manner as (Mohammad) Irfan. He was played everywhere in the world in every format. Sharjah, Dubai, he played everywhere. But when he fell, did anyone lift him?”
Pakistan have two ODIs left to salvage something from the series before the caravan moves to Old Trafford for the one-off T20I.