The series also marks the final leg of Pakistan’s tour that has brought more than its share of thrills for the tourists, filled with record-breaking wins and controversy. Apart from memorable Test wins against Australia and the hosts, Pakistan made headlines for all the wrong reasons amid the spot-fixing scandal and on-field thrashing.
Captain remains hopeful
But Afridi is still hopeful that his side would heal the wounds of a miserable tour by putting up a good show in the ODIs.
“It’s difficult but not impossible to beat England and we will give our best to win the series and end the tour on a winning note,” Afridi told The Express Tribune.
Following Pakistan’s abysmal performance in both Twenty20s, Afridi said he would change the game plan in the one-day series and would try to overcome mistakes made in the past. “We’ll come up with a different strategy given the mistakes we have made. The past few days have been tough for the team. Recent incidents have dented the team’s confidence. All we need is a win that would help in regaining the players’ morale.”
Batting, fielding the key
The captain felt the team would have to improve in the batting and fielding departments to have a realistic chance at winning. “We weren’t really up to the mark in Twenty20s especially with our batting and fielding. We’d have to play with more responsibility in the one-dayers.”
England aim to continue streak
Meanwhile, England are aiming to continue their winning streak as coach Andy Flower has asked his players to not get complacent owing to their recent comprehensive victories.
“The boys should not get complacent and should go all out for victory in the ODIs”, said the coach ahead of the first match.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2010.
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