“Not spending enough time in the middle” – Sarfaraz laments Pakistan’s batting woes

After a third sub‑200 total in the series, Pakistan coach Sarfaraz Ahmed addressed the batting struggles following the second day of the Lord’s Test against England.

• First‑innings collapse: Pakistan were dismissed for 110, after posting 171 and 135 in Leeds, where they suffered an innings defeat.
• Key concern: “Our team is getting bowled out in 30‑35 overs. We’re not spending enough time at the crease,” Sarfaraz said.

What the coach highlighted

• Playing longer innings: “If a batter can survive the first 30‑40 balls, the team will be in a better position.”
• Azan Awais example: The opener faced 102 balls for 46 runs, handling a challenging spell from Jofra Archer and showing good technique early on.
• Technical approach: “The first hour, the first 40‑50 balls are difficult; you need solid technique to get past that.”

Praise for the young opener

“Hats off to Azan Awais. The way he handled Archer’s spell was very good for his career. He batted at a crucial time against quality bowling – a big boost for him.”

Overall batting concerns

• Despite attempts to tweak the batting combination, the team “could not bat well” in both Tests.
• Sarfaraz refused to blame the lack of red‑ball cricket entirely, noting that Pakistan played 40‑50 T20 matches last year but emphasized the need for professional adaptability across formats.

Current match situation

• England lead by 261 in bowler‑friendly conditions.
• Sarfaraz remains hopeful of a turnaround on Day 3:
  

  “If we can bowl them out within the next 70‑80 runs and chase a target under 350, you never know.”

Sarfaraz acknowledges responsibility for the results but believes “a lot of unexpected things happen in cricket.”