Sport | Cricket
'Matches against India prompt me to give my best'
Shahid Afridi was once again in his elements yesterday when he thrashed the Indian attack again at the Iqbal Stadium for a solid 156.
- By K.R. Nayar, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:32 May 3, 2009
Faisalabad: Shahid Afridi was once again in his elements yesterday when he thrashed the Indian attack again at the Iqbal Stadium for a solid 156.
The hard-hitting batsman feels that there is no secret to his batting style except that he never lets any opportunity go away. However, he added that his best does come out when he plays against India.
Gulf News: You are averaging over 50 against India? Why is it that you have been able to perform consistently against India?
Afridi: Matches against India prompt me to give my best. It is not a deliberate attempt to keep on scoring heavily. All that I do is to grab the chances that come my way.
Have you now got used to batting in Test cricket? Have you changed your batting approach?
I have not made a deliberate attempt to change my style. I maintain a positive approach always. Batsmen like Jayasuriya and Sehwag are also aggressive in both forms of the game. Cricket is changing and one has to keep pace with changing times.
So what do you aim for when you start off an innings in Tests?
My aim has always been to play myself in. I love to keep the scoreboard ticking. It just that sometimes, boundaries come my way. Frankly, it is not something I plan before hand. It just happens.
Do you still reckon your knock in Chennai as the best?
Yes, that still ranks as the best.
How do you see this wicket?
It is a batting track, but Kaneria did manage to get a bit of turn today. Rahul and Laxman are batting very well. We need to break the partnership. Since the Kookaburra ball becomes soft quickly, that makes the job tougher for the bowlers.
When compared with the wickets you played against England here, how do you see these wickets?
I think the wickets we played against England were better. It had more bounce and turn. I don't know much about the preparations of these pitches.
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