Haider needs to work a lot on his technique: Hafeez

Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez believes rookie batsman Haider Ali isn’t a finished article as yet despite his half-century on debut against a game England side in the third and final Twenty20 International (T20I) in Manchester.

Hafeez, in an interview on wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal’s YouTube channel, advised Haider to work harder on improving his batting technique, which will take his game to another level.

"Haider is a great talent and plays with tremendous confidence which is required at the top level. However, he still needs to work a lot on his technique. If your technique is solid, then you can survive for long in international cricket. I hope he is working on it because if he improves his technique, his shot range will become ever better. I am praying for his success," said Hafeez.

"I always like it when our youngsters showcase their talent in front of the world. This is how Pakistan cricket will move forward. I want more youngsters to come but after they are fully prepared and ready for international cricket," he added.

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The all-rounder also clarified that he was available to bowl in the recently-concluded Twenty20 International (T20I) series against England but the Pakistan captain Babar Azam decided not to use his services as an off-spinner.

"I am allowed to bowl in international cricket for past one year as I cleared my bowling action test after it was declared illegal in an English county cricket match. I also bowled in this year’s Pakistan Super League as well. I was also available to bowl on this tour, but it was the captain’s choice to not use me. If I was not in the captain’s plan, it does not mean that he is unaware of my ability as a bowler. In future, if given an opportunity, I am available to deliver as a bowler," he said.