Sharjah: Despite having won the three match series against West Indies 2-0, Pakistani players trained hard for the third and final Test at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium from 2pm.
Though this Test starting from tomorrow (Sunday) is inconsequential, all players are keen to win a place in the team for the oncoming New Zealand tour.
The first Test of that series is set to commence from November 17 at Christchurch and Pakistan is keen to extend their winning run into New Zealand.
Among those training hard at the Sharjah Stadium nets was Asad Shafiq, who has almost cemented his place as their dependable one-down batsman. In the first two Tests he proved that he is worthy of that slot with knocks of 67 in the first Test against West Indies and two half centuries in the second Test in Abu Dhabi. He hit 68 in the first innings of the second Test and remained unconquered with 58 in the second innings.
When asked about his half centuries and form in this Test series, Shafiq said: “I am very satisfied. The best thing is that the team is winning. You do have individual goals but the main thing is that the team is winning. We have that collective goal and to contribute to it from No.3 is special.”
Shafiq has won the slot through his consistency. “When you score runs you get confidence and you learn a lot. From every innings you learn and that is why I put in all effort and I have become a better batsman after every innings.”
Shafiq wants to also prove himself on the fast Australian wickets. “Yes that will be a challenge but when we were going to England we heard that it will be challenging to bat in England. Our preparation was such that it suited England, the way the balls come and the swing so we prepared for that. Now we will practice for Australian type of pitches and the kind of balls used there so that we can bat accordingly and the particular preparations will help.”
Shafiq believes to bat at any slot is a challenge. “Every number has its challenges, but at three you have that freedom to build your innings. At six the situation is in place before you come and you have to play as per the situation. Three gives you more freedom.”
The biggest boost for Shafiq is the confidence placed on him by his coach and captain and their praise for him. “I am lucky that I have got their backing. It’s a positive sign for me when anyone praises me. It helps lift my confidence, so I try my best to improve my technique and talk to the batting coach. Whenever I get a chance I also talk to the former players as well.”
