Pakistan cricket director Mohammad Hafeez was frustrated while sharing his views on the pitch used in the team’s four-day practice match against the Australian Premier’s XI last week. The match, which ended in a draw, was played at Manuka Oval in Canberra from 6 to 9 December, ahead of the three-match series between Australia and Pakistan, which begins on 14 December. -up in Canberra, saying it was “the slowest stadium a visiting team has ever played” Down Under.
“This was the slowest stadium a visiting team could play on in Australia. As a team, we are really happy with our preparations because we achieved most of the goals,” Hafeez was quoted as telling ESPNcricinfo during Pakistan’s training session at the WACA Stadium in Australia. Perth.
Hafeez said they did not expect the conditions presented in Canberra, but the Pakistani team is ready for the upcoming challenge.
“The disappointment was really big because we did not expect this kind of arrangement. Maybe it was tactical but we are prepared for it. We are not using it as an excuse, we are fully prepared to face the challenges ahead.” he added.
When asked to share his views on Pakistan’s newly appointed Test captain, Shan Masood, Hafeez said the southpaw has all the qualities needed to become a captain.
“For me, seeing Shan become captain is no surprise. He has always been prepared for this role, and when you get this kind of opportunity, he shines. He is a great player, and as a captain, he has a great relationship with the players.” And a great relationship with the whole team. His experience as a captain and what he has learned over the years – especially the two years he played county cricket – have all brought his managerial skills to the fore even further. What is important is this and Hafeez explained: “It is a confident unit here and Shan is playing his role very well.”
It is worth noting that Shan scored an unbeaten 201 points in the first rounds of the training match, while the rest of his teammates failed to exceed the fifty mark.
The first Test will be played at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi
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