Zaman offers to bat in the middle for Pakistan
Opener ready to take responsibility on tour of England
Pakistan’s opening batsman Fakhar Zaman said yesterday that he was ready to bat in the middle order as he was ready to take up responsibility according to the needs of the team during their tour of England.
“In domestic tournaments, I have batted in the middle order and it all depends on the team management which responsibility they want to assign me, whether in the role of an opener or a middle-order batsman,” he said after a training session as they prepare for the tour of England at the Gaddafi Stadium.
He said it would be his utmost desire to play aggressive cricket in Test matches whether as an opener or in the middle order. He said he will try to rise to the occasion.
Zaman said his top priority was to play cricket for Pakistan and put his talent and skill to the best use to help the team.
He said he is following the strategy and training of the team management at the training camp and also learning from the experience of seniors through useful tips.
“It is always a dream for a player to play Test cricket and I will definitely be there to be a useful part of the team in the longest version of the game,” said the opening batsman.
He said Pakistan Super League was a learning curve for him and he learnt a lot from pace bowlers who were part of the League. “I have played in England (Champions trophy last summer) and I know the conditions there and I will be aiming to showcase my talent and technique to justify my inclusion in the team,” said Zaman.
“I am excited as I have yet to play Test cricket. I have played One-day and T20 for Pakistan and playing Test cricket will be a memorable moment of my career,” he said, adding that he aimed to play his natural game.
He said his performance in the domestic four-day matches was quite good which was also considered while selecting him for the Test team. Responding to the contention that he was a hard-hitting batsman and did not merit a place in the Test team, he said: “Everyone has his own opinion and I don’t agree to them. What is important for me is to live up to the expectations of the selectors and the team management with quality batting,” he added.
Zaman showed no fears about facing the England pace attack in English conditions. “I want to bat according to the need of the hour, keeping in view the English conditions to play the ball late and I have the necessary temperament to cope with all circumstances and perform to a high level,” he said.
I have batted in the middle order and it all depends on the team management which responsibility they want to assign me.”
Fakhar Zaman » Pakistan opening batsman