Pakistan capable of getting back number one Test spot from India, says Inzamam
Chief selector says he is disappointed by lack of Pakistan-India fixtures
Inzamam announcing Test squad for West Indies series. PHOTO: ONLINE/ Anwar Abbas
Pakistan chief selector Inzamamul Haq said he was disappointed by the lack of Pakistan-India fixtures. However, he believes that the national side can snatch back the number one Test ranking from arch-rivals by preforming well against other teams.
In an interview with Press Trust of India, the 46-year-old said it was disheartening that cricket’s greatest rivals were unable to face each other on the pitch again, especially in Tests.
“What can one say on India’s refusal since 2007 to play against us in Tests,” he said. “It is disappointing for me as I have played and captained against India in both countries, and I know how much these encounters mean to the fans from both sides.”
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However, the former skipper added that he has firm faith in Pakistan’s ability to overwhelm other teams in Tests and dethrone their neighbours as the top ranked Test team.
“Pakistan are still capable of beating other teams and getting back the number one Test spot from India,” he said.
Inzamam added: “India will be playing 13 Tests at home in the next few months and we haven’t played on home soil since 2009. But I still believe this Pakistani side can do well anywhere and against anyone.”
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The former captain cited the example of Pakistan’s Test series against England to provide merit to his statement.
“The way we fought back from 1-2 down to level the series in England was a heartening performance,” he said. “India has not done that well outside their country in Tests and they lost their last series in England.”
Inzamam also said that Pakistan are blessed with some quality young players and currently have the right mixture of youth and experience.
In an interview with Press Trust of India, the 46-year-old said it was disheartening that cricket’s greatest rivals were unable to face each other on the pitch again, especially in Tests.
“What can one say on India’s refusal since 2007 to play against us in Tests,” he said. “It is disappointing for me as I have played and captained against India in both countries, and I know how much these encounters mean to the fans from both sides.”
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However, the former skipper added that he has firm faith in Pakistan’s ability to overwhelm other teams in Tests and dethrone their neighbours as the top ranked Test team.
“Pakistan are still capable of beating other teams and getting back the number one Test spot from India,” he said.
Inzamam added: “India will be playing 13 Tests at home in the next few months and we haven’t played on home soil since 2009. But I still believe this Pakistani side can do well anywhere and against anyone.”
BCCI chief rules out cricket series with Pakistan
The former captain cited the example of Pakistan’s Test series against England to provide merit to his statement.
“The way we fought back from 1-2 down to level the series in England was a heartening performance,” he said. “India has not done that well outside their country in Tests and they lost their last series in England.”
Inzamam also said that Pakistan are blessed with some quality young players and currently have the right mixture of youth and experience.