LAHORE,  June 24: Former Test batsman Shafqat Rana has  said poor batting and lapses in fielding were the reasons for Pakistan’s 2-1 defeat against England.

Talking to Dawn on Tuesday, Shafqat, who was also a former national selector and secretary of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), said that no batsmen showed consistency and there was some improvement in ground fielding but the boys were not impressive in throwing and catching.

Shafqat said that inclusion of Inzamam-ul-Haq and that too at No 3 spot could strengthen the batting department.

But when his attention was diverted towards Inzamam’s reluctance to bat at that position, Shafqat said then  no need to induct him.

“The best batsman is being used to bat at the third  position and  Inzamam as one of them should go for it if he wants to  play cricket for the nation and not for himself,” Shafqat said.

“It is the suitable position for the best batsman. And in case of early wicket there are eight more batsmen who can retrieve the position.”

He noted that Yasir Hameed was a good batsman but he  should play in the middle order and then promted to No 3 after gaining some experience.

When asked why the PCB picked 16 players for the short tour, which became a joyride for four cricketers, Shafqat pointed out that England had sent the proposal of this series when he was secretary of PCB in 2000.

He claimed that he had advised the then PCB boss Dr Zafar Altaf not to accept it and instead try to include Pakistan in the three-nation tournament which follows the three-match series.

Shafqat advised the PCB chief executive Ramiz Raja to leave the commentary part of his job as it was unfair and unjust.

“Being  a commentator, Ramiz has to criticise the  flaws  of any of the player, but how he can say such remarks  against  his own player,” he asked.

Shafqat added that Ramiz should follow the example of Aamir Sohail, who was not doing commentary after becoming chief selector. He was not satisfied with the captaincy of Rashid Latif and believed that Moin Khan would be the best choice for the post.