“Pace used to be…”: Rashid Latif criticizes Pakistan pacers after Bangladesh defeat

The criticism just keeps on coming for the Pakistan team after their shocking 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test of the series at Rawalpindi. This was Bangladesh’s first victory over Pakistan in the Test format.

After the defeat, Pakistan’s team management was heavily criticized for fielding 4 pacers and no spinners on a dry pitch. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif blasted the seamers and said that they are not able to bowl at a good pace for long periods of time.

“The world knows that pace used to be our strength but our top fast bowlers no longer bowl at breakneck pace. It was the root cause of the defeat yesterday (at Rawalpindi on Sunday). Their speeds have come down drastically. If they are carrying injuries, they should reveal that. Shaheen (Afridi), Naseem (Shah), and Khurram (Shahzad) started off with pace of 145. They all have come down to 130,” Latif wrote on Cricbuzz.

Latif gave examples of pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer who despite spending a lot of time on the sidelines due to injury, didn’t lose their pace.

“Our trainers and physios are to blame. If you look at a Jofra Archer, he comes back after two years of hiatus but does not lose a yard in his pace. Same with Jasprit Bumrah, he comes back from an operation and bowls with the same velocity,” Latif said.

“Pat Cummins… he was out of cricket for a long time due to injury. When he came back, he did not show any signs of slowing down. Why are our bowlers slowing down? Obviously, our support staff is not doing a proper job. A bowler of 144 kmph speed has come down to 128 kmph,” Latif added.

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