Younis appreciates testing preparation
Batsman Younis Khan has heralded Pakistan's ongoing tour of Zimbabwe as fitting preparation for the series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates later this year.
Batsman Younis Khan has heralded Pakistan's ongoing tour of Zimbabwe as fitting preparation for the series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates later this year.
Khan moved to 76 not out on day three of the first Test at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday, as the tourists climbed to 168 for four – and a lead of 90 – in response to the hosts' 327 all out. Pakistan had managed 249 all out in their first innings.
While the visiting top order was again troubled by early breakthroughs from seamers Tinashe Panyangara and Tendai Chatara, Younis remained firm throughout a patient vigil that spanned 174 deliveries and featured seven boundaries.
"The Zimbabweans bowled so well, they made it difficult for us, it's definitely good practice for us when we get back to Dubai. Also, the wicket is very good so we can really get some time but they are making it tough for us to score runs," said Khan.
The former captain, meanwhile, countered the team's alleged over-reliance on senior players like himself, skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez – after inexperienced opener Khurram Manzoor failed again.
"Test cricket is all about patience and the young guys, sometimes they come from ODIs and Twenty20s so they need to learn. It's for the senior players like myself and Misbah and Hafeez to help them and we are here to do that. The other thing is that we are not playing Test cricket regularly, the last time was almost six months ago. You need to play regularly to learn," concluded Younis.
Latest
-
EnglandLiam Livingstone praises England spinner Rehan Ahmed as ‘exceptional talent’
Ahmed has furthered his blossoming reputation against the West Indies by recording identical figures of 10-1-40-2 in two ODIs in Antigua.
-
EnglandLittle bit of relief – Sam Curran and England bounce back in Antigua
Curran laid the groundwork for England’s six-wicket win.
-
EnglandSam Curran and Jos Buttler return to form as England level series in Antigua
Chasing 203, Will Jacks put England into the ascendancy with a sparkling 73 off 72 balls.
-
EnglandSam Curran finds form as England bowl out West Indies for 202
Curran took three big scalps days after enduring a tough time in the first ODI.
-
EnglandAndrew Flintoff set to return to England’s backroom staff for Windies T20 series
Flintoff first linked up with the national side in an unpaid role for ODI series against New Zealand and Ireland before the World Cup.
-
Women's CricketDanni Wyatt stars on 150th T20I appearance as England begin India tour with win
Sophie Ecclestone returned figures of three for 15 on her comeback appearance after four months out with a shoulder injury.
-
EnglandHarry Brook blocks himself from ‘negativity’ by withdrawing from social media
Brook has left the running of his X and Instagram accounts to someone else.
-
Women's CricketSophie Ecclestone set for England return in T20 opener in India – Heather Knight
The world’s top-ranked limited-overs bowler underwent surgery after dislocating her shoulder in August.
-
EnglandRehan Ahmed rejects Sir Alastair Cook’s criticism of Jos Buttler’s captaincy
Several of Buttler’s decisions were scrutinised during a calamitous World Cup defence.
-
Women's CricketMaia Bouchier and Danielle Gibson handed their first central contracts by ECB
England Women have once again issued 18 full-time deals.