'Out of control' - Cook questions England tactics
Former England cricket captain Alastair Cook has criticized the team's tactical approach during the final Test against Pakistan, specifically citing a lack of planning against lower-order batting. The critique follows a period of intense pressure caused by a high-scoring partnership from Pakistan's tail-enders.
Why it matters
The commentary highlights the ongoing tactical debates within English cricket as the team transitions through leadership changes and seeks consistency in Test match performance.
England had "no plan" and were "out of control" in the face of Razaullah's stunning hitting on the third day of the final Test against Pakistan, according to former captain Alastair Cook.
Razaullah, the 21-year-old batting at number nine on Test debut, clobbered 81 from 63 balls at Edgbaston.
He shared a ninth-wicket partnership of 121 with Muhammad Abbas to drag the third Test into an unlikely fourth day, with England set 130 for victory.
Though the hosts are heavy favourites to earn a 3-0 clean sweep, the carnage of the final session was an alarming spell as Joe Root begins his second spell as captain.
Root's tactics were often criticised in his first spell as skipper and there were further questions of the Yorkshireman when he stood in for former captain Ben Stokes earlier this summer.
Also covering this story
7 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
England vs Pakistan 3rd Test: Host bowls out new-look Pakistan for 133 on Day 1
Razaullah’s six-hitting debut caps Pakistan’s fightback against England
England vs Pakistan: Brook, Smith, Lawrence and Robinson push hosts towards third Test win
'Out of control' - Cook questions England tactics
England bat Pakistan out of third Test before Robinson moves in for the kill
Pakistan's Razaullah Khan scripts history, enters record books on Test debut
England close to 3-0 Test series win over Pakistan
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