THE BOMB STAYS: Hasan Ali revealed that he was asked to give up on his ‘bomb explosion’ celebration by team doctor to avoid injury, but he said he’ll improve his fitness further to avoid damage to his back. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali, currently the number one bowler in ODIs, believes no player in the team minds skipper Sarfraz Ahmed shouting at them when they make a mistake because it helps them stay focused.
The 23-year-old, while answering questions for Sky Sports, revealed that he actually prefers a vocal skipper because it helps him maintain concentration.
Hasan, Hafeez, Malik earn praise
“I honestly like it when he shouts at me as that motivates me and I'm sure it's the same for the other players also,” said Hasan. “Sarfaraz shouting isn't really him getting angry at us, it's actually his way of reminding us that we need to keep our focus, not lose concentration and make sure that we are on our game. I enjoy him shouting at me and don't mind it at all.”
The question was raised when Hasan was asked if it was easy to get away with mischief in the presence of a serious skipper like Sarfraz, and the right-arm pacer said he loved what he did and wouldn’t stop doing it.
Allah give you many more successes I can’t forget the moment when we boht on the pitch and you did hit beautiful six love you mery dost😘😘 https://t.co/SdqVnX43s5
— Hassan Ali 🇵🇰 (@RealHa55an) October 27, 2017
“I enjoy life, I enjoy cricket and I enjoy being out there playing cricket in front of thousands in the stadium, with millions watching around the world. I see myself as a performer, an entertainer and a cricketer,” he said.
On being number one in ODIs
Hasan rose to the top of ODI bowlers’ rankings, after he pushed South Africa spinner Imran Tahir down and says it’s like a dream being on that position.
Hasan ecstatic with top position in ODI rankings
“I think the team management deserves most of the praise and also my captain and teammates,” he said. “My family, and especially my brother, also deserve praise. He always believed in me and without his support I wouldn't be playing international cricket today. You cannot do something like this on your own; you have to have the support of colleagues around you, and their support has been magnificent.”
Hasan said it is unbelievable to be on the top with so many great names under him in the rankings. “I have to pinch myself whenever I see the rankings list and see myself above such great names.”
‘Want to win 2019 World Cup’
Pakistan, under Sarfraz, now boast a formidable limited-overs squads, and Hasan dreams of lifting the 2019 World Cup with this team.
“I want to continue in the same way that I have been playing for the last year or so and to maintain these high standards,” he said. “I want to build on the good start I have had in my international career and not let my form dip at all. I want to win the 2019 World Cup and be the highest wicket-taker and the player of the tournament there.”
On risk of injury while celebrating
Hasan rocked the world with the man-of-the-series performance in the 2017 Champions Trophy, and his celebration style was equally liked by everyone as his skills with the ball.
ODI rankings: Hasan Ali jumps to number one
“I get lost in the moment and it just happens. But, during the series against the World XI my back was stiff, and I thought to myself perhaps it was due to over-celebrating a wicket,” he said. “The team doctor said to me that maybe I needed to tone down the celebration, but I said to him that will not happen, the celebration will not change and will not be reduced and instead I will work on getting even stronger,” he added.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ