Batsmen have had enough practice: Tauseef

Selector happy with form of middle-order, concerned about Hafeez’s lack of runs.

KARACHI: While rain dampened Pakistan’s preparations for the first Test against England, selector Tauseef Ahmed remained optimistic about the team’s chances for the match that starts at Lord’s from Thursday.

The last day of the three-day match against Sussex was washed out yesterday yet Pakistani batsmen got a fair run in the two innings of the preceding match at Somerset and the first innings at Hove — venue for the Sussex game.

Tauseef feels that the middle-order batsmen have gotten enough practice under their belt which is a good omen for Lord’s. “I think the batsmen, especially in the middle-order, have done very well and look confident and in form before the first Test.” Tauseef told The Express Tribune.

The selector though admitted that the top-order is a concern but if they get their act together at Lord’s Pakistan will be a very formidable force for the hosts.

“Yes, Mohammad Hafeez’s form at the top-order is a concern but he’s a fine batsman who has loads of experience,” said Tauseef. “If our openers can give us a good start, the batsmen to follow can make a real impact against the English bowlers.”

England will miss Anderson

Tauseef is of the opinion that the loss of pacer James Anderson for the Lord’s Test is going to have a big impact on the hosts.

“Anderson is a world-class bowler; his absence will be felt without a doubt. I really feel that Pakistan batsmen can take advantage of the fact that he won’t be there to lead the English attack.”

Tauseef also believes that the team has spent enough time in England since arriving for the series almost a month before the first Test, which he hopes will have a positive bearing on the team when they take the field on the hallowed Lord’s turf later this week.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 11^th, 2016.

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