Pakistan’s senior batsman Azhar Ali has urged the youngsters to shrug off their insecurities and express themselves freely in the upcoming home series, ahead of the first Test of the two-Test series against South Africa starting from January 26 at the National Stadium Karachi.
As many as nine uncapped players have been named in Pakistan’s 20-member squad for the Test series against South Africa with at least 2-3 youngsters likely to make their Test debut on January 26.
As reported by ESPNCricinfo, Azhar said in a virtual conference on Friday (January 22): “International cricket is always a challenge. Even if you play as a youngster or up there for long, the pressure will remain forever. But obviously, for a new player, it is a challenge to handle pressure and then there are insecurities in our culture around what if they are dropped.”
Former Test captain continued, “Obviously we understand that there is a big difference between international and domestic cricket which make them a bit insecure. But as a senior player, my advice to them is to trust their skills and stick with what they are doing to do well because that is what is going to give them a best chance to performance. If you think too much that will bring negativity and hold you from doing well. So be positive and grab the opportunity.”
He signed off by saying, “South Africa is a very strong team especially with their bowling they are the top side. Their fast bowlers are good but then if we get a spin track, we are wary of their left-arm spinner Keshav Mahraj who he is a seasoned bowler and is playing Tests for long. We have to come up with our A game to compete so I believe they have everything covered in their bowling and our batting must take this challenge and score big enough for our bowlers to get them out.”
