Malik backs decision to rest key players against Aussies
sharjah — Pakistan stand-in captain Shoaib Malik backed the team management and the selection committee’s decision to rest a few players for the ODI series against Australia and said that it presented a fine opportunity for the new players to step up to the plate.
Pakistan have rested six players — captain Sarfraz Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan — and have included openers Shan Masood, Abid All, pacer Mohammad Abbas as well as tearaway rookie quick Mohammad Hasnain apart from middle-order batsman Umar Akmal, who has been recalled after a spell in the wilderness. But Malik said it was the right call following an hectic schedule for the players.
“Any series is tough but at the same time, it is also an opportunity because there are a few players who are new. Australia have come here after winning the series against India so their morale is high and they will be confident. But we do have a bit of an advantage in these conditions because we play a lot of cricket here,” Malik said at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday, on the eve of the first ODI.
“They (the new players) are highly talented cricketers and it is about grooming their talent. And I guess, this is how you groom talent by giving them chances.
“We have to invest in new talent because it will be helpful in the fu- ture and they can play in the long term. It is a good initiative taken by the selection committee and the team management because it makes our bench strength more stronger.
“And also, there are a few slots left for the World Cup and this could be an opportunity for them to step up and seal a spot,” he added. Hasnain could be one of them with the 18-year-old shattering the speed radar by clocking 150kmph. And Malik was delighted for the youngster.
“When you produce pace which is over 145 plus, it becomes lethal. He is quite talented and we have also seen in practice as well as in the PSL. Everybody rates him very highly. This is a good sign for Pakistan cricket,” felt Malik.
Meanwhile, opposite number Aaron Finch said that Pakistan are still a strong team despite the absence of the six players.
“Pakistan have obviously played in these conditions for a long time now unfortunately. But coming off a tour of India is really crucial. We managed to play some really good cricket there,” said Finch.
“They have still got a lot of experience in their team, they are still a world class team. You can’t take them lightly in any form of the game at any time. They are such a highly skilled and talented team and we have definitely given them as much respect as what we gave India and what you give every other country,” he added.