Defiant Hafeez undeterred by youngsters’ success
Pakistan Twenty20 captain upbeat about ‘challenge’ of Test return.
Hafeez remains confident of making a return to Pakistan’s Test side. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
Pakistan Twenty20 captain Mohammad Hafeez suffered a setback with his axing from the Test squad for the ongoing series against South Africa.
Seeking a return to the longer version, the all-rounder received a jolt in his pursuit following remarkable performances from openers Khurram Manzoor and debutant Shan Masood, who laid the foundation for the victory against South Africa in the opening Test in Abu Dhabi.
However, the seasoned cricketer with 34 Test caps is unfazed by the growing competition and is confident of making a Test return.
“It’s not a concern, in fact, I am happy,” said Hafeez on the sidelines of the conditioning camp for the One-Day International (ODI) players.
“I am a patriot and was delighted with Pakistan’s victory against the best team in the world, which was due to the performance of these players.
“However, it’s a challenge for me to make a Test comeback. I will try to perform at the highest level and will avail the opportunity to play the four-day matches [domestic] to regain my place.”
Before being dropped, the 33-year-old had a poor run in Test cricket throughout 2013, scoring just 102 runs from 10 innings as the selectors opted to include opening batsmen Ahmed Shahzad and Masood in the 15-man squad.
Hafeez said the snub from Tests will not affect his place in the team for the ODIs and Twenty20s.
“I am aiming to give my best as an all-rounder for my team. There is no pressure on me in the ODIs and T20s. I’ve been performing well this year in these formats. The team rose to second [from ninth] in the Twenty20 rankings under my captaincy.”
Hafeez expects tough ODI series against Proteas
The experienced all-rounder said the result in Abu Dhabi will boost the team’s confidence ahead of the ODIs.
“I am hopeful that Pakistan will win the series 2-0. It will be a huge morale booster before the one-day series,” said Hafeez.
“The conditions in the UAE suit us but at the same time South Africa enjoy a very good record in ODIs. They also have experience of playing in such conditions so it will be a tough contest.”
Pakistan are yet to win an ODI series against the Proteas both home and away.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 23rd, 2013.
Pakistan Twenty20 captain Mohammad Hafeez suffered a setback with his axing from the Test squad for the ongoing series against South Africa.
Seeking a return to the longer version, the all-rounder received a jolt in his pursuit following remarkable performances from openers Khurram Manzoor and debutant Shan Masood, who laid the foundation for the victory against South Africa in the opening Test in Abu Dhabi.
However, the seasoned cricketer with 34 Test caps is unfazed by the growing competition and is confident of making a Test return.
“It’s not a concern, in fact, I am happy,” said Hafeez on the sidelines of the conditioning camp for the One-Day International (ODI) players.
“I am a patriot and was delighted with Pakistan’s victory against the best team in the world, which was due to the performance of these players.
“However, it’s a challenge for me to make a Test comeback. I will try to perform at the highest level and will avail the opportunity to play the four-day matches [domestic] to regain my place.”
Before being dropped, the 33-year-old had a poor run in Test cricket throughout 2013, scoring just 102 runs from 10 innings as the selectors opted to include opening batsmen Ahmed Shahzad and Masood in the 15-man squad.
Hafeez said the snub from Tests will not affect his place in the team for the ODIs and Twenty20s.
“I am aiming to give my best as an all-rounder for my team. There is no pressure on me in the ODIs and T20s. I’ve been performing well this year in these formats. The team rose to second [from ninth] in the Twenty20 rankings under my captaincy.”
Hafeez expects tough ODI series against Proteas
The experienced all-rounder said the result in Abu Dhabi will boost the team’s confidence ahead of the ODIs.
“I am hopeful that Pakistan will win the series 2-0. It will be a huge morale booster before the one-day series,” said Hafeez.
“The conditions in the UAE suit us but at the same time South Africa enjoy a very good record in ODIs. They also have experience of playing in such conditions so it will be a tough contest.”
Pakistan are yet to win an ODI series against the Proteas both home and away.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 23rd, 2013.