RAWALPINDI: Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has admitted that the absence of Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf in the Rawalpindi Test against Australia affected the team combination of the home side.
Babar, while talking to a virtual presser ahead of the historic Test, admitted that the unavailability of Hasan and Faheem affected the team combination.
“The absence of Hasan and Faheem has affected the combination,” he said.
“Hasan has won us many matches and is a great bowler. While Faheem does well with both bat and the ball,” he added.
The 27-years-old skipper however emphasized that the team is well prepared and will do well in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy.
“The Test players first prepared and played a practice match in Karachi before coming here, so our team is well prepared for the historic series and will give tough time to our opposition,” Babar said.
“Naseem [Shah] and Shaheen [Shah Afridi] are bowling well. Whereas, in the batting unit, Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam are in splendid form,” he quoted saying.
Babar also commented on Yasir Shah’s inclusion in the Playing XI, saying that he is a’match winner,’ but that he will take some time to adjust to fit completely.
“Yasir is a match winner but it will take time to get fit. His fitness and injuries are a matter of concern for us,” he said.
“If Yasir gets fit then we will utilize him where needed,” he added.
Babar went on to claim that because they are professional cricketers, they will not be hindered by having to adapt to a different format. While also emphasizing not taking the opposition lightly.
It is apropos to mention here that Australia is touring Pakistan after a gap of 24 years. The touring side will play three Tests which will take place in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi respectively. While the white-ball series which comprises three ODIs and one-off T20I will be played here.
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