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Azhar targets big knocks in Zimbabwe series

Pakistan Test players conclude conditioning camp at the NCA.

Our Correspondent August 28, 2013

Azhar, who has played 27 Tests for Pakistan, said he would not take Zimbabwe bowlers lightly as he hoped to play long innings. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI:

Pakistan Test players have geared up for the series against Zimbabwe, with middle-order batsman Azhar Ali showing resolve to play big knocks in the upcoming matches against the hosts.

As many as nine players, who will join the national team in Zimbabwe, concluded their five-day conditioning camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore yesterday.

These include Azhar Ali, Younus Khan, Adnan Akmal, Wahab Riaz, Faisal Iqbal, Ehsan Adil, Khurram Manzoor, Rahat Ali and Shaan Masood. They will depart tomorrow for the series set to start on September 3.

Azhar targets long innings

Azhar stated that the two matches would be a good opportunity for the players to gain confidence. “It will be a good chance to improve performance,” the middle-order batsman told reporters after the camp’s conclusion.

“I am not aiming for a particular score. What I want is to stay longer and play a big innings. If I score a half-century, I would like to transform it into a century and then aim for more runs.”

However, Azhar, who has played 27 Tests for Pakistan, said he will not take Zimbabwe bowlers lightly.

“They have the ability to surprise just as they did in the first One-Day International (ODI). I feel that more concentration is required against weaker teams because you are already cautious against tough oppositions.”

Azhar hoped that Pakistan would be able to bounce back and win the ODI series. “Surprises are part of the game and hopefully Pakistan will overcome it and end as eventual winners.”

Adnan focuses on batting

Adnan, who will take the gloves from Sarfraz Ahmed for the Test series, said that he would focus on his batting.

“I am working hard as both wicket-keeper and batsman,” said Adnan, who is set to make a comeback after being dropped for the Test series against South Africa.

“It has become important for a wicket-keeper to be a good batsman as well nowadays. I am aware of this and will do my best to help my side with the bat.”

In conclusion, he termed the series ‘tough’ saying the team will have to display good performance to win the series.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2013.

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