Asad Shafiq hopes to perform up the order

Right-handed batsman put onus on batting to back bowlers in May Tests

Pakistan batsman Asad Shafiq believes the upcoming tour of England will see him rise up in the batting order in the absence of veterans Misbahul Haq and Younus Khan.

Pakistan had been following a set batting line-up in the past five years with Younus and Misbah forming the core of the middle-order, while Shafiq played on the number six position, but with the retirement of the duo, right-handed batsman feels he would be shifted upwards to assist the middle-order.

“The way Misbah and Younus carried the team in the last five to six years is exemplary,” said Shafiq while addressing media in Lahore. “They have served Pakistan a lot and we will feel their absence. But we senior players — me, Azhar and Sarfraz — now need to take responsibility.”

He continued: “I’ve played most of my Test cricket at number six. Most of the times I don’t get to play in the second innings. Also, after I come in and settle, I have to bat with the tail-enders and the team gets out. Chances of scoring big are comparatively higher on the first four batting positions.”

He then expressed hope that he will be batting at number four since Azhar will be asked to open in England.

“There is a strong possibility that I will play up in the batting order in England this time. This is for the management and the captain to decide, however. But my main goal is only to improve day by day and not a certain number of runs.”

When asked if he feels he has done enough for Pakistan since he hasn’t single-handedly led them to victory in the near past, Shafiq said: “I contribute as much as possible. In Tests, everyone has to contribute and mostly no single players can inspire a victory in this format. Whenever I play, I try to give my best for Pakistan. And I plan to help Pakistan in the future with my performance and not serve any personal goals.”

On chances of win in England

Pakistan’s last visit to England was quite fruitful as they were able to extract a 2-2 draw in the four-match series courtesy some astounding performances by Misbah and Younus. However, this time around, Shafiq says they are focusing on taking England on in all three aspects.

“We are working on our bowling, batting and fielding. We do possess the quality to win the series. Conditions in England are bowling friendly but as a batting unit we will try to give our bowlers enough space to get the hosts out,” he explained.

He continued by saying that they have edge over England in the bowling department. “Our fast-bowling has the capacity [to dismiss England twice]. Amir and Hasan are bowling well in the nets too. The condition in England will be favourable for bowlers. I think we have an edge over England as a fast-bowling unit. But as a batting unit we will have to follow up after our bowlers have done their job.”

On Yasir Shah’s absence

Pakistan’s premier leggie Yasir Shah in out of the England tour with a hip injury and Shafiq says his services will be missed.

“Yasir is not a conditions-assisted bowler. He can get any team out on any pitch. His absence will be felt. However, we definitely have quality spinners who can create a difference for Pakistan.”