LAHORE: Former Pakistan Test paceman Aaqib Javed on Thursday blasted the national teams’ performance against South Africa in the recently-concluded Test series, calling it a result of lack of preparations and a lack of killer instinct in the bowling attack.

Pakistan were whitewashed 3-0 by South Africa and Aaqib asked questions from the national selection committee and the team management for the poor show.

“When, in the past, we were preparing for an away series against South Africa, England or Australia, we used to practice with wet balls on cemented pitches,” Aqib recalled while speaking to reporters here at the Gaddafi Stadium.

“This time, though, we went to South Africa after playing a series against New Zealand on the slow pitches in the UAE.

“Furthermore, no one knows what was the criteria to select Mohammad Amir as his speeds were same, around 135-140kph, due to which he was being rested, Where did they test whether his bowling speeds were up again?” Aaqib questioned.

“There is no pace bowler in the team at the moment who can create panic among the opposition’s line-up while our batsmen were also below-par. “We actually sent a limited-overs team to South Africa.”

He however hoped Pakistan would rebound in the five-match One-day International series against the Proteas starting Saturday.

“We have good limited-overs players,” Aaqib said. “But we still need to take serious steps if we are to field a strong team at the World Cup later this year.”

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2019