Livid Yousuf blasts ‘lazy’ Butt for ’selfishness’

HOBART - Lambasting opener Salman Butt for his lazy attitude which resulted in two crucial run outs during Pakistan’s first innings in the third Test here, captain Mohammad Yousuf has accused him of ’selfishness.’

“We are not playing for self, we are playing for country. I am 35 years old and if I can get three runs, he is 25 years old, why can’t he take the runs? We both fielded for the same 140 overs. We play for country here not for self,” an angry Yousuf said.

Pakistan was placed comfortably at 63 for no loss in the first innings, but a dramatic collapse, thanks to the two needless run outs courtesy Butt, saw them losing four quick wickets in space of just 21 runs on the second day.

Looking for a third run from a straight drive, Yousuf was sent back late by Butt and was caught short by a typically-strong outfield throw by Mitchell Johnson.

The furious captain stood hand on hip at the river end, delivering a prolonged death stare at Butt, who had also contributed to the dismissal by labouring through the first two runs.

“He (Butt) is a little lazy runner everybody knows that,” The News quoted Yousuf, as saying.

The dejected Pakistan skipper conceded that it was now very difficult to save the Test match and a humiliating 3-0 whitewash.

“It is tough. But it is a very flat wicket and if we played for the country and try to survive sessions instead of going for runs maybe we can save the game,” Yousuf said. (ANI)