'How can the more talented and superior team have lost 16 matches in a row in Australia?' - Iceland Cricket take subtle jibe at Mohammed Hafeez

Following the second Test against Australia, former Pakistan cricketer and current Team Director, Mohammed Hafeez, offered his take on the team's performance in a press conference. He stated that Pakistan played better cricket as a team, expressing his pride in their efforts. Hafeez emphasized the team's courage and intent, acknowledging mistakes but maintaining a belief in the numerous positives despite ultimately falling short.

However, not everyone was quick to agree. Iceland Cricket's official handle took a subtle jab at Hafeez's comments, expressing amazement at how the supposedly more talented Pakistan team had lost 16 consecutive matches in Australia. 

"It's amazing. How can the more talented and superior team have lost 16 matches in a row in Australia? Surely those lucky Aussies will stop being lucky soon," Iceland Cricket posted on 'X'.

While Hafeez praised the team's better batting intent and improved bowling, it's essential to dissect the game objectively. Pakistan did show improvement, especially in the bowling department, with Shaheen and the pacers putting in commendable efforts. However, labelling them the better side might be a tad optimistic, given some batters' dismal performance.

Looking ahead to the final Test in Sydney, it holds significance as Australian cricket great David Warner bids farewell to red-ball cricket. Warner's decision to focus on white-ball games adds a sentimental layer to the match.

For Pakistan, the focus remains on improvement and clinching an elusive victory. The team's journey, marked by challenges and positives, unfolds as they gear up for the third test match in Sydney. As we anticipate a memorable farewell for Warner, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await Pakistan's continued progress on the international stage.

Warner is probably the greatest all-format Aus player: Coach McDonald

Recently, Australia's head coach and former all-rounder Andrew McDonald surprised the cricket community by proclaiming David Warner as the nation's most accomplished player across all formats. Furthermore, McDonald asserted the difficulty in finding a suitable replacement for Warner in the traditional Test cricket format

“He is probably our greatest ever three-format player. He’ll be a loss. Other people have been gunning for him for some time but for us, internally, we’ve seen the great value and what he brings to the table, hence why we’ve kept picking him. He repaid that faith in the first Test match. It can be hard to replace someone who is striking at 70, averaging 45 (and has made the) most ever runs as an Australian opener," McDonald said in a video shared by Cricket.com.au.