South Africa vs Pakistan: Livid Mickey Arthur slams the senior players post another batting collapse

Pakistan witnessed one of the worst batting collapses in the first Test against South Africa in Centurion on Thursday and coach Mickey Arthur found it too difficult to digest. What followed after the visitors’ folding up is a heated team meeting which could be an indicator at some big changes ahead of the second Test in Cape Town starting January 3.

The Asians led by Sarfraz Ahmed are staring at a defeat on Day three of the first Test as South Africa are well on course in the 149-run chase. Earlier, Pakistan came back well into the game on the second day after getting bowled out for 181 by getting the opponents all out for 223, thanks to a spirited show by their pacers.

Conceding a lead of 42 runs, the visitors then started off well and were comfortably placed at 101 for 1 when half-centurion Imam-ul-Haq (57) fell. It soon led to a Domino Effect as the rest of the wickets started tumbling like nine pins. In the next 28 overs, Pakistan lost their remaining 9 wickets for 89 runs, finishing at 190.

Batting slumps have become a common for Pak in Tests

Such collapses have been a regular feature for Pakistan batting in recent years, especially after the exits of players like Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan last year but the team’s South African coach failed to keep his cool this time as it squandered the advantage in no time.

According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, Arthur had a “strong” and “honest” discussion with the batsmen some of whom “were reminded of their responsibilities”. The discussion had a particular focus on the show of three senior-most players: skipper Ahmed besides Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq. The three batsmen managed to score six together in the second innings. Ahmed had a particularly forgettable game as he bagged a pair in the Test.

Pakistan’s batting was under the scanner after a recent series against New Zealand and another failure in South Africa has done no good for their confidence.

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