Afridi: I curse myself for not finishing
All-rounder Shahid Afridi has attributed a successful return to Pakistan's limited-overs fold to sterner self-examination.
All-rounder Shahid Afridi has attributed a successful return to Pakistan's limited-overs fold to sterner self-examination.
Afridi was dropped from the squad for the Champions Trophy earlier this year, but enjoyed a string of decent performances during the recent ODI and T20I series against the West Indies.
"Now whenever I get out, I talk to myself and I curse myself for not finishing off a match if I am batting. This self-assessment therapy has helped me a lot," said Afridi.
"But now when I am batting I am eager to finish off matches myself. I keep on talking to myself and even if I get out, I keep analysing my my batting."
"I will know when the time is right for me to go retire. Right now the time is good for me and I can carry on performing in Twenty20 and ODI cricket."
While the veteran Misbah-ul-Haq has handed the Twent20 International captaincy to batsman Mohammad Hafeez, he will continue to lead the Test and ODI unit, including next month's full tour of Zimbabwe.
"Misbah is an excellent planner but unfortunately not everything you plan is executed all the time. And one can't expect him to treat other players like schoolchildren," concluded Afridi.
Latest
-
NewsMoeen Ali coronavirus quarantine extended after mild symptoms
The England all-rounder is now unlikely to feature in England’s Test series in Sri Lanka.
-
NewsAustralia captain Tim Paine defends Steve Smith over guard incident
Smith was accused of deliberately scuffing away the guard of India batsman Rishabh Pant during the third Test in Sydney.
-
NewsAustralia go on the defensive over Steve Smith scuffing saga
Australia have closed ranks around Steve Smith, who is upset over being painted as a villain following the drawn third Test against India.
-
NewsOn This Day in 1996: Dickie Bird announces retirement from umpiring
Bird umpired in 66 Tests and 69 one-day internationals.
-
NewsDan Lawrence adamant he will stick to ‘unique’ batting technique in Test arena
The 23-year-old should make his Test debut when England start their two-match series against Sri Lanka.
-
NewsSteve Smith criticised for appearing to scuff Rishabh Pant’s guard in third Test
Former Australia captain Steve Smith was branded “childish” after an incident during the final day of their drawn third Test against India
-
NewsTim Paine admits he let the Australian bowlers down
Australia captain Tim Paine believes he was at least partially to blame for his side failing to bowl India.
-
NewsTesting times on tour in Sri Lanka – the life of an international cricketer
Gloucestershire’s James Bracey is on his first overseas tour with England. Here he writes about his experiences so far in Sri Lanka.
-
NewsIndia salvage unlikely draw in third Test against Australia
India salvaged an unlikely draw as the third Test against Australia reached a thrilling finale.
-
NewsChris Silverwood backs ‘fighter’ Dan Lawrence to make step up to Test cricket
The Essex batsmen is in line for an England Test debut against Sri Lanka on Thursday.