Muhammad Asif Khan
SHARJAH: Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has said that they were ready for the challenge in the one day series against Australia. He however added that no particular Australia player was considered a threat.
“One or two players can change the course of the game in a Twenty20 game however in an ODI match, a number of players have to chip in. The bowling unit has to be on top of its game to dislodge the opposition batsmen”, Shoaib Malik said on the eve of the first ODI between Pakistan and Australia.
The first of the five ODI matches, between Pakistan and Australia, will be played here tomorrow.
Shoaib Malik, who is the stand-in captain for Sarfaraz Ahmed, said that winning a series in India must have boosted Australia’s confidence going into the upcoming series.
“No doubt beating India at home is a big achievement however Pakistan have the combination to take on Australia”, Malik added
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) rested a number of important players, including captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, to manage their workload before the World Cup in England.
“Our players have been playing nonstop cricket for about six months therefore they deserve rest and time with families before embarking on the World Cup campaign”, Malik said
“In the absence of seasoned campaigners this is a big opportunity for new players as well. If a youngster performs outstandingly well then who knows he could be drafted in the World Cup bound squad too”, Malik concluded
