Babar Azam backs coaching staff despite England series whitewash

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has backed the coaching staff despite the Test series whitewash to England at home.

Head coach Saqlain Mushtaq, batting coach Mohammad Yousuf, bowling coach Shaun Tait have been under the radar of scrutiny.

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Under them, Pakistan lost 1-0 to Australia in Tests, 4-3 to England at home in T20Is before the World Cup and a series whitewash, however, Babar has rated them as the best management.

"We have the best management. We have got a coaching panel of former cricketers who have given great performances for Pakistan. Coaches can only give you plan and share experience whereas it is the player who has to execute in the field." 

On the other hand, Babar believes the Pakistan Test side is in a rebuilding phase. "Pakistan needs time to build a test team. We have to support our youngsters who have been brought in the Test squad." 

"We are in a phase of building a Test team right now which is the reason for six debutants in the series against England. Our experience players were either out of form or unfit, costing us the series."

Babar accepted the mistakes Pakistan made and said batters lacked capitalising on key moments. "Pakistan lacked in the batting performance and lost back-to-back wickets against England which resulted in pressure on us." 

"I am disappointed as a captain. We made mistakes, and that's why we weren't able to win. At the same time, we need to appreciate the England team, the way they played throughout," he added. 

Babar also revealed why Mohammad Rizwan was preferred over Sarfaraz Ahmed despite continuous failures.

"Mohammad Rizwan is playing Test cricket consistently whereas Sarfaraz Ahmed played first-class cricket. The series against England was important hence we preferred to choose those players who have been with the team."

Pakistan will next play New Zealand in the two-match Test series at home, starting from December 26.