Pakistan’s Cape Town Test: Why Another Failure Will Have Repercussions!

Pakistan’s Cape Town Test against the Proteas begins today. Hence, here is a look at how another failure in South Africa can have repercussions for key members of the squad.

Read: Why 2019 Is Likely To Be A Tough Year For Pakistan Cricket

Middle Order

A lot has been said about Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq in recent times. Both senior batsmen have not been able to live up to the expectations ever since the departure of Misbah and Younis. Moreover, rumors in the media suggest that both have been asked to pull up their socks by coach, Mickey Arthur.

While Azhar still has a little breathing room; Asad Shafiq is running out of time and is likely to be sacked for the final Test of the series if he fails to deliver yet again!

Read: #WrapUp2018: Major Developments From The World Of Cricket In Pictures

Captaincy

It is understood that the pressure of captaincy is now having an adverse effect on skipper Sarfraz’s performance with the bat. Reports of his differences with Mickey Arthur have been making rounds. Hence, with media and public pressure mounting Sarfraz as the captain of Pakistan’s Test side is in no position to fail again.

Furthermore, the skipper also needs to come out clean both with the gloves and with the bat. It will not come down as a surprise if another dismal show results in the 31-year-old losing his position as the Test captain as well as his place as Pakistan’s first choice wicket-keeper batsman.

Read: An Ugly Incident In Pakistan’s Dressing Room: What Mickey Arthur & Sarfraz Have Done Wrong

The Role Of Head Coach

It is not only the skipper but the head coach, Mickey Arthur also who will be under pressure to retain his position. Pakistan has shown good improvement at the T20 level ever since he took over. Performance of the green shirts in the other two formats, however, hasn’t been too encouraging particularly, during the last 12 months or so.

Hence, Mickey would know that in case of another defeat, pressure would mount on him. Therefore, the possibility of even him being replaced this very year, especially if the green shirts don’t do well in the ICC world cup, would all of a sudden, become very real!