Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif voiced serious concerns over the decline in the country’s fast bowling standards following Pakistan’s 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. Latif highlighted the shortcomings of Pakistan’s trainers and physios, arguing that they were failing to maintain the fitness and pace of the team’s pacers. He cited examples of other fast bowlers like England’s Jofra Archer and India’s Jasprit Bumrah, who, despite facing long injury layoffs, returned to international cricket without losing their pace. In contrast, Latif noted that the speeds of Pakistan’s premier fast bowlers, including Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Khurram Shahzad, have noticeably dropped in recent years.
Rashid Latif’s Concerns Over Decline in Pakistan’s Fast Bowling
Latif also drew comparisons with Australia’s Pat Cummins, who made a successful comeback after a long injury absence and retained his pace. He criticized Pakistan’s support staff for not doing enough to preserve the pace and fitness of their bowlers, which he believes is the main reason behind the decline in Pakistan’s fast-bowling prowess. According to Latif, a bowler who could previously clock 144 kmph is now bowling at just 128 kmph, indicating a significant dip in performance. Latif stressed that the inability to maintain high-speed bowling has diminished Pakistan’s competitive edge, particularly in the longer format of the game.
Tactical Errors and Criticism Over Team Selection
Pakistan’s loss to Bangladesh has sparked widespread criticism from cricket experts and fans alike, many of whom have questioned the team’s selection strategy and tactical decisions. Pakistan opted to go with an all-pace bowling attack in the first Test, leaving out their effective spinner, Abrar Ahmed. This decision raised eyebrows, especially on a Rawalpindi pitch that could have offered some assistance to spin. The choice to declare their first innings without reaching the 500-run mark backfired, as Bangladesh capitalized by gaining a 117-run lead and ultimately cruising to victory.
Latif pointed out that Pakistan’s current crop of fast bowlers lacks the endurance required for Test cricket, with none capable of bowling the 30 overs needed in a day. The decline in the speed and stamina of the bowlers has made them more suited to white-ball cricket, where shorter spells and fewer overs are required. As a result, Pakistan’s strategy of relying solely on fast bowlers without adequate spin options exposed their vulnerability. This tactical misstep and the inability to sustain high-speed bowling over extended periods have contributed to the team’s recent struggles in the Test format.
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