NEW DELHI: The final Test Pakistan gained started a yr in the past on Sunday in opposition to Sri Lanka in Galle, and captain Babar Azam hopes to lastly file one other win within the match beginning on the identical date and floor.
“Really excited to be back in red-ball format and all eyes are on the Galle Test as we are prepared and ready for the challenge,” Azam instructed reporters on Saturday.
The batsman is the one cricketer on the planet ranked within the prime three in all three codecs — third in Tests, first in ODIs and second in T20 internationals.
But his facet’s type is a marked distinction: they’ve gained none of their final six Tests, and final yr’s Galle fixture was their solely long-format victory because the begin of 2022.
“We are taking one step at a time, but we have to be consistent across all formats,” Azam stated.
“One of the positives going into the Galle Test is that 13 of our players were here 12 months ago.”
The two-match collection marks the beginning of their ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 participation, and Azam was delighted to have Shaheen Shah Afridi again within the facet.
The quick bowler is sitting on 99 Test wickets and can intention to change into the fourth-fastest Pakistan fast to finish a century of wickets.
He has been ready to succeed in the mark for a yr, after being injured on the identical Galle floor.
“Besides his wicket-taking abilities, his presence always motivates and lifts the side. I know Shaheen has badly missed red-ball cricket and is hungry for Test cricket,” the captain added.
Pakistan will make full use of newly appointed group director Mickey Arthur — a former Sri Lanka coach — as a supply of details about the opposition.
“Like any host country, Sri Lanka will like to play to their strength, which is spin bowling,” stated Azam.
“We have had good feedback about the Sri Lanka side from their former coach and I think we are well prepared to take them on.”
Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne stated his foremost intention was to win all the house matches within the ICC World Test Championship and some away from dwelling, to make sure they’ve an opportunity of qualifying for the finals.
“It’s good to start the World Test Championship with a home series,” he stated.
“We know the teams we are up against. We could have easily been in the finals if we had won the two Tests against Australia and Pakistan last year.
“We’ve learnt from our errors and we’re properly ready for the primary Test.”
Sri Lanka are putting out almost the same side that beat Ireland 2-0 in a two-match series in April, the only change being Kasun Rajitha replacing Asitha Fernando.
Karunaratne said it was crucial that the openers negotiate Shaheen’s overs.
“Once the ball will get previous and with the wind he can reverse the ball as properly,” he said.
“If you take a look at the Pakistan facet they’re properly geared up in all departments,” he added.
“Both groups are assured however we’re profitable each session and dominating the match.”
“Really excited to be back in red-ball format and all eyes are on the Galle Test as we are prepared and ready for the challenge,” Azam instructed reporters on Saturday.
The batsman is the one cricketer on the planet ranked within the prime three in all three codecs — third in Tests, first in ODIs and second in T20 internationals.
But his facet’s type is a marked distinction: they’ve gained none of their final six Tests, and final yr’s Galle fixture was their solely long-format victory because the begin of 2022.
“We are taking one step at a time, but we have to be consistent across all formats,” Azam stated.
“One of the positives going into the Galle Test is that 13 of our players were here 12 months ago.”
The two-match collection marks the beginning of their ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 participation, and Azam was delighted to have Shaheen Shah Afridi again within the facet.
The quick bowler is sitting on 99 Test wickets and can intention to change into the fourth-fastest Pakistan fast to finish a century of wickets.
He has been ready to succeed in the mark for a yr, after being injured on the identical Galle floor.
“Besides his wicket-taking abilities, his presence always motivates and lifts the side. I know Shaheen has badly missed red-ball cricket and is hungry for Test cricket,” the captain added.
Pakistan will make full use of newly appointed group director Mickey Arthur — a former Sri Lanka coach — as a supply of details about the opposition.
“Like any host country, Sri Lanka will like to play to their strength, which is spin bowling,” stated Azam.
“We have had good feedback about the Sri Lanka side from their former coach and I think we are well prepared to take them on.”
Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne stated his foremost intention was to win all the house matches within the ICC World Test Championship and some away from dwelling, to make sure they’ve an opportunity of qualifying for the finals.
“It’s good to start the World Test Championship with a home series,” he stated.
“We know the teams we are up against. We could have easily been in the finals if we had won the two Tests against Australia and Pakistan last year.
“We’ve learnt from our errors and we’re properly ready for the primary Test.”
Sri Lanka are putting out almost the same side that beat Ireland 2-0 in a two-match series in April, the only change being Kasun Rajitha replacing Asitha Fernando.
Karunaratne said it was crucial that the openers negotiate Shaheen’s overs.
“Once the ball will get previous and with the wind he can reverse the ball as properly,” he said.
“If you take a look at the Pakistan facet they’re properly geared up in all departments,” he added.
“Both groups are assured however we’re profitable each session and dominating the match.”
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com