Sarfraz confident ahead of ‘tough’ tour
Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed admits conditions in Ireland and England will be tough but believes they have the squad to be successful on their upcoming Test tour.
Sarfraz was speaking ahead of his team’s departure from Lahore for a Test against Ireland in Dublin and a further two Tests in England.
Pakistan have been in camp in Lahore for the last few weeks in preparation for what is expected to be tough conditions.
It is still early season in Europe with plenty of cloud and rain around but the skipper is confident they will be ready when the first Test against the Irish comes around on 11 May.
ALSO READ: Fakhar will try to play ‘natural game’ in longest format
Sarfraz told reporters: “Whenever there is an England tour, the conditions are always tough.
“On our previous tour in 2016, we played matches in July, but this year we are starting a bit earlier, so obviously it will be difficult to some extent.
“But we are working hard to give these boys as much confidence as possible and prepare ourselves.
“We have two practice games and we have prepared well here [in Lahore]. The way our batsman and bowlers are doing their hard work to enhance their skills, I believe this is going to get us good results.”
Sarfraz also said he believes the 16-man squad selected for the tour is the best available players that Pakistan have to offer.
There are five debutants included, four of which are batsmen, with plenty of debate in the Asian country about the non-selection of Fawad Alam who has been a top performer in domestic for many years.
Sarfraz continued: “Invariably, a few will get left out, and only 16 make the squad, but there is nothing to worry.
“There is no problem for those who are not selected this time around, and it’s not like they will never be picked again.
“My hopes are very high and I am optimistic with these new boys. The best thing about them is that they are willing to perform on the big stage.”
Latest
-
T20 World CupKane Williamson confident over fitness for T20 World Cup
Meanwhile, Aaron Finch backed Australia opening partner David Warner to get back to his best form at the tournament.
-
T20 World CupBabar Azam backs Pakistan to win T20 World Cup opener against India
Babar Azam insists that Pakistan ‘should’ beat India in their T20 World Cup meeting.
-
T20 World CupT20 World Cup: Scotland and Ireland win warm-ups
Ireland swept aside Bangladesh, while Scotland held on to overcome a game Namibia.
-
The AshesNet session for England all-rounder Ben Stokes as he steps up return to cricket
Could Stokes make the Ashes after all?
-
T20 World CupAndrew Balbirnie says Ireland need fast start to avoid early T20 World Cup exit
Ireland need a top-two finish in Group A to make the final phase for only the second time.
-
T20 cricketRashid Khan picks his top five T20 players of all time
Afghan star Rashid Khan picks his top T20 players going around.
-
NewsLiam Livingstone left out of England Lions squad that will travel to Australia
Dom Sibley, who has not been given a central contract, is in the 14-man party.
-
AustraliaAustralia hopeful on tour to South Africa, could shelve Afghanistan visit
Australia are set to play a Test match in South Africa for the first time in five years in 2023 having cancelled their 2021 tour.
-
AustraliaAustralia batter Will Pucovski takes another blow to the head
It is believed the 23-year-old has had nine previous concussions in his short career.
-
The AshesJames Anderson anticipates big battle with Steven Smith during Ashes
England fast bowler James Anderson is looking...