Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur reportedly lost his cool in the dressing room and bashed skipper Sarfraz Ahmed and top order batsman Azhar Ali for their failure to help the team post a formidable lead against South Africa at Centurion.
A magnificent spell of fast bowling from Duanne Olivier turned the first Test at Centurion in South Africa’s favour but Pakistan still closed Thursday’s second day with a chance of going 1-0 up in the series. The hosts have to chase 149 to win the match with three days remaining in the match.
According to media reports, Arthur was angry at the senior players including Sarfraz, Azhar and Asad Shafiq after their dismal performance. The Pakistan coach had an intense heated argument with Asad, Azhar and Sarfraz where he criticised them heavily and threw objects in the dressing room which made a lot of noise, reports claimed.
While Sarfraz and Azhar scored a duck in the second innings, Shafiq played a loose shot and fell for just 6 runs.
Arthur is known for his aggressive approach and has expressed disappointment at the team’s performance numerous times in the past. After a disappointing defeat to New Zealand last month, Arthur had said, “This is probably one of the worst defeats I have ever suffered in my career.”
