Pakistan’s Team Director Mohammad Hafeez held a press conference after the Shan Masood and Co. suffered a humiliating 360-run defeat on day four of the first Test against Australia at Perth on Sunday.
Hafeez said that he has seen the talent this bunch has and believed that Pakistan, as a team, still possess the quality to defeat the mighty Aussies in their own backyard.
"I've seen during our preparation the amount of talent these guys have. There's no doubt that they can beat Australia here in Australia. But obviously we couldn't do that execution-wise. The plan was there and we prepared accordingly. I still believe that as a team, Pakistan can beat Australia here in Australia, but we must execute our skills when required,” Hafeez said after the Perth Test in a presser.
He emphasised about the poor execution of plans which, according to him, was the reason behind this heavy loss. He also talked about moments where the Green Shirts could’ve dominated but failed to do so.
"We couldn't execute our skills. We made the plans for the team but unfortunately, as a team, we couldn't execute our plans. Obviously, the guys wanted to, but they never applied themselves, to be honest. As a team, we made a couple of tactical errors. There were certain situations where we could have dominated. We were prepared but our execution wasn't great,” he added.
It must be noted that during their chase of a 450-run target, Pakistan were dismissed for a mere 89 runs, Saud Shakeel top-scored for the dismantled visitors’ side with 24 runs.
Pakistan's improbable attempt to claim their first Test win in Australia since 1995 was shattered by the Nathon Lyon and the home team's formidable pace attack, swiftly concluding the game within four days.
In pursuit of 450 for victory, the visitors surrendered meekly with Lyon claiming 2-18. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood also secured three wickets each.
Australia declared on the fourth day at 233-5 after Pakistan were dismissed for 271 in their first innings, responding to the hosts' 487.
Schedule of remaining matches
2nd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 26-30: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
3rd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – January 3-7: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)