Shan admits batting mistakes behind defeat

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan captain Shan Masood, who lost his fourth successive Test as captain after being elevated to the position, Sunday apologized to the nation and fans for not living up to their expectations.

“We could not play to hopes and aspirations, fans have attached to us. There is more than one reasons for that. Neither lady luck favoured our side nor did we cash in on the moments coming our way. We did not bowl well when we took the second new ball.”

He praised Bangladesh for playing a better brand of cricket. “They played better cricket and at the same time we lost some crucial sessions to hand over the initiative to the Bangladesh team.”

Pakistan Test captain added that first innings declaration was meant to move the Test ahead. “Our declaration in the first innings also did not support us. We only wanted to push the proceedings ahead and that was why we declared the innings.”

Shan also admitted that there was something in the wicket for spinners going into the fifth day. “Unlike the first four days, there was some spin in the the wicket on the fifth day. Yet I have to admit that Bangladesh played better cricket and their spinners bowled brilliantly on the fifth day. We could not avail the crucial moments which resulted in our defeat.”

“We made many mistakes. It is a team show and everyone will have to rise to the occasion. We have to pick each other to get better results in the next Test.” On the second innings’ collapse, Shan said two to three batsmen were bowled on inside edges.

“I don’t think it was an irresponsible attitude. We never thought about a draw but made mistakes in batting. In pressure time we did not live up to the fans’ expectations. We must have to learn to play under pressure. In Test cricket, we have not been able to stop batting collapse.” Shan hinted at including a spinner Ibrar Ahmed in the second Test. “If we feel there is a requirement we would include a specialist spinner.”