Inzamam hints at Hafeez’s comeback after batting collapses
Pakistan chief selector says he was hopeful of a good show from the team in NZ
PCB chief selector Inzamamul Haq. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan chief selector Inzamamul Haq on Saturday said that veteran batsman Mohammad Hafeez might be brought back into the team if the need be.
“We can bring Hafeez back into the team if we need him,” said the 46-year-old while talking to media in Karachi.
Pakistan is currently on a tour to New Zealand for a two-Test series where they are close to a defeat in the first match after two batting collapses.
Inzamam, when asked about what went wrong against the Kiwis, said: “We were hoping for a good performance from the team but they couldn’t deliver. However, the New Zealand wickets are different and we should give some time to the team to adjust.”
Pakistan managed a lead of 62 runs against the Black Caps after the third day but lost seven wickets in the process. They will be looking to stretch the lead to 150 if they are to give their bowlers any chance to defend.
Nevertheless, Inzamam was optimistic that the team could “make a comeback” in the next match.
He also said: “Players who will under-perform consistently will be removed to make way for others.”
Earlier, after the end of the third day, Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur also expressed hope that his team might be able to turn the game in their favour.
“We’ve been out-played so far,” said Arthur, but he refused to concede defeat saying they would not need many more runs to set up a tight finish.
“We feel that with a 150-170 [lead on the board], we could have a real chance because there’s still enough in the wicket.”
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“We can bring Hafeez back into the team if we need him,” said the 46-year-old while talking to media in Karachi.
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Pakistan is currently on a tour to New Zealand for a two-Test series where they are close to a defeat in the first match after two batting collapses.
Inzamam, when asked about what went wrong against the Kiwis, said: “We were hoping for a good performance from the team but they couldn’t deliver. However, the New Zealand wickets are different and we should give some time to the team to adjust.”
Pakistan managed a lead of 62 runs against the Black Caps after the third day but lost seven wickets in the process. They will be looking to stretch the lead to 150 if they are to give their bowlers any chance to defend.
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Nevertheless, Inzamam was optimistic that the team could “make a comeback” in the next match.
He also said: “Players who will under-perform consistently will be removed to make way for others.”
Earlier, after the end of the third day, Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur also expressed hope that his team might be able to turn the game in their favour.
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“We’ve been out-played so far,” said Arthur, but he refused to concede defeat saying they would not need many more runs to set up a tight finish.
“We feel that with a 150-170 [lead on the board], we could have a real chance because there’s still enough in the wicket.”
We asked, you voted!
No 53%; Yes 47%