Pakistan Test specialist Asad Shafiq is hoping to play a crucial role in the team’s cause in the upcoming two-match Test series against Australia, starting from October 7 in the UAE.
Shafiq, who has been a consistent performer for Pakistan, scoring 3768 runs in 61 Test at an average of 39.25, has done a brilliant job with Azhar Ali ever since taking over the vacant spot after Pakistan legends Younis Khan and Misbah ul Haq’s retirement from the game.
There are a lot of expectations from Shafiq and Azhar since they have taken the duo’s spot in the Pakistan Test line-up, though the 33-year-old is admitted that it will not be easy for any other player to match Younis and Misbah’s performances for the country, hoping to contribute in team’s cause.
Although, Shafiq might be a long way away from filling the shoes of the greats he didn’t feel bogged down by the expectations, saying it will only encourage him to play at his best for his country.
Shafiq told PakPassion.net on Wednesday (October 3), “Of course, Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan were legendary players and served the nation for many years and it is true that it will not be easy for any other player to match their performances for the team.”
He added, “As far as the upcoming Test series is concerned, I don’t think Azhar and I will be under any pressure, but we do recognize that we have an added responsibility on our shoulders. It will be up to us to put into practice all that we have learned from the two great players and help Pakistan in this series.”
Spin is expected to play a big role in the Test series but Shafiq believes that it will be an even contest between Pakistan and Australian in the UAE.
Shafiq signed off by saying, “Our main strength is in the spin bowling department with some excellent bowlers in our line-up, but then we must also realize that Australia has some very fine spinners in their side too. As a batting side, we will work towards handling their spinners in the best way possible knowing full well that if we can do our job, we also have some excellent spinners in our side who know these conditions really well and will cause difficulties for the opposition.”
(Inputs: PakPassion.net)
