Coach Arthur slams team after yet another meltdown of batting line

Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur lambasted his senior players after yet again a poor show with the bat on the second day of first Test at Centurion.

Pakistan batting line continued with its trend of second inning meltdown after Pakistan easing comfortably 101 for 1 imploded after tea to be bowled out for 190, giving South Africa a highly achievable target of 148 runs.

As per media reports, Arthur had an heated argument with captain Sarfraz Ahmed, top order batsmen Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq, the head coach criticised the senior batsman while throwing objects in the dressing room.

The recent batting collapse was the latest in a series of cheap dismissals for the trio in crunch situations. The trio failed twice in the recent home series against New Zealand, which Pakistan lost 2-1.

Proteas fast bowler Olivier took five for 59 as Pakistan collapsed at tea to 190 all out, leaving South Africa needing 149 to win. The Pakistanis, however, believe they have enough runs on the board to take the series opener.

“Have we got a chance? Without a shadow of doubt we can defend 149,” said Shan Masood, who top-scored for Pakistan with 65 and found himself fighting virtually a lone battle as his side lost their last nine wickets for 89 runs.