Sarfaraz Ahmed Admits Pakistan’s Batting Crisis: ‘We’re Not Spending Enough Time at the Crease’

Pakistan coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has acknowledged serious concerns over his team’s batting after another collapse left them in a difficult position against England in the Lord’s Test.

Pakistan’s batting struggles continued at Lord’s as they were bowled out for just 110 in their first innings, their third total below 200 in the series. The latest collapse followed scores of 171 and 135 in Leeds, where Pakistan suffered an innings defeat.

Speaking after the second day, Sarfaraz admitted that Pakistan’s batters have failed to spend enough time at the crease, despite being aware of the problem.

“You can’t shy away from the fact that our team is getting bowled out in 30 or 35 overs,” Sarfaraz said. “Obviously, we have discussed this and the batters also have an idea that we are not spending enough time on the pitch.”

While acknowledging that the conditions have been challenging, Sarfaraz stressed the importance of surviving the difficult opening period. According to him, batters who can get through their first 30 to 40 deliveries are likely to find batting easier.

He pointed to opener Azan Awais as an example. The 21-year-old faced 102 balls for his 46 and showed considerable composure against England’s attack, including a testing spell from Jofra Archer.

“Hats off to Azan Awais. The way that boy handled that spell from Archer was very good for him and his career,” Sarfaraz said. “He batted at a crucial time and faced quality bowling. As a batter, it will be a big boost for him.”

Sarfaraz admitted that Pakistan’s batting unit has been “not up to the mark” during the series, while also praising England’s bowling attack and their fielding.

The Pakistan coach revealed that the team had attempted to strengthen its batting through selection combinations, but those changes have yet to produce the desired results.

“We try to play a combination such that our batting is strong. But unfortunately, even in this innings we could not bat well,” he said.

Pakistan’s limited exposure to red-ball cricket has also been highlighted as a possible factor. The team played around 40 to 50 T20 matches over the past year amid major white-ball tournaments, but Sarfaraz stopped short of blaming the format imbalance entirely.

“It is a big factor. Last year, we played nearly 40 or 50 T20 games. But I won’t say that is the reason – as professional players, we need to adjust between formats,” he said.

Pakistan now face a massive uphill task, with England holding a 261-run lead in conditions that have heavily favoured the bowlers. Despite the difficult situation, Sarfaraz has not given up hope of a dramatic turnaround.

“I am still hopeful. A lot of unexpected things happen in cricket,” he said. “If we can bowl them out within the next 70-80 runs and chase a target under 350, you never know.”

With Pakistan’s batting once again under pressure, the final stages of the Test will test both their resilience and their ability to adapt to England’s demanding bowling conditions.

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