Pakistan captain Babar Azam on Wednesday stated the upcoming Test sequence towards England at residence will give his crew its greatest shot to seize a remaining spot within the second version of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).
Pakistan has gained 4, misplaced three and drawn two matches in its WTC marketing campaign to be positioned on the fifth place within the general standings.
“It is a very important series for us because England plays a Test series in Pakistan after 17 years and also because we want to play in the World Test (Championship) final,” Babar stated.
Pakistan will play three Tests towards England, beginning right here on Thursday.
Pakistan tempo spearhead Shaheen Afridi is present process rehabilitation following an harm to his knee however Babar didn’t agree that his absence will leav its bowling assault depleted.
“Our bowling has been our source of strength for a while now whether it is red-ball or white-ball formats. The bowlers have always come good for us,” he stated.
Pakistan has included three pacers in its Test squad – Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Junior and Mohammad Ali – who’ve but to play Tests though the primary two have appeared in loads of white-ball cricket.
Babar stated the truth that Pakistan has performed within the finals of the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup was a lift for the facet though quite a few gamers have been completely different within the Test squad.
“But I think the confidence and spirit of the dressing room rubs off on all the players regardless of which format they are playing,” he added.
Babar stated England has an skilled bowling assault and it’s coming into the sequence with some good outcomes, having gained six Tests at residence.
“I think England are well placed because they have James Anderson who is very experienced and gives them an edge in that department.”
He additionally recalled how former overseas coach Mickey Arthur had supported him and given him confidence.
“He always felt that I could make it big at the international level and he gave me a chance, he said you just play and don’t bring negative thoughts in your mind. I remember my mindset changed when I scored three consecutive centuries against the West Indies and there was no looking back.”
Babar stated he preferred to play like AB de Villiers and watched him play on tv and he used to follow hitting photographs like him.