Former Pakistan skipper Zaheer Abbas has effusively praised the hard-fought efforts of youngsters led by Sarfraz Ahmed while revealing the fresh legs have infused a ‘new life’ by showing great character both with bat and a ball, during the ongoing edition of 2017 ICC Champions Trophy in England and Wales.
“The new faces have given Pakistan a new life with their energetic efforts. I would like to praise all new players for playing a positive role in rebuilding Pakistan team,” Abbas told Dawn.com.
The 69-year-old Sialkot-born Abbas added young lot have been a strong force to instil confidence in the team as he further urges them to carry on the momentum they have set-up to bring glory to Pakistan.
“Future of Pakistan cricket will be brighter if they press ahead with their efforts with the same zeal,” Abbas maintained.
Owing to the mental factors, it has been hard nut to crack for unpredictable Pakistan and to held its nerve in the high-octane clash particularly while facing arch-rival India in the recent past, but former Pakistan skipper stated it’s time to pay back in the same fashion after receiving 124-run hammering against Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue, in the Group A fixture on June 4, at the Edgbaston in Birmingham.
“Now is the time for Pakistan to beat India in the same way they defeated us in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy,” Abbas added.
While talking about the chances of Pakistan, which according to Zaheer looks bright after Men in Green thrashed England by eight wickets, in the first semi-final on June 15 at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff following an all-round performance which saw three Lions being restricted at 211 in 50 allotted overs.
“Pakistan outclassed England in all departments,” Abbas remarked.
Known for his brilliance with the bat during his career, Zaheer, who’s optimistic has revealed after two good performances against a top-notch team, Pakistan is in better condition to produce a quality result after coming from a win against hot-favourite Eoin Morgan-led side England.
“The way Pakistan team played against England gives us an impression that they are now in a position to do something special for the country in the all important match,” Abbas further added.
While thrusting on the future of Pakistan national team, Zaheer has given a piece of advice to youngsters, in order to cement the spot one has to stay focussed while giving their best in the gentleman’s game.
“Young cricketers should try to earn permanent places in the team with hard work,” Abbas revealed.
After former Pakistan coach and a bowler Waqar Younis, Abbas., who was appointed as ICC president during the world cricket governing body’s Annual Conference in 2015, has echoed the words by lambasting England skipper Eoin Morgan, for giving a lame explanation regarding the condition of the Cardiff pitch.
“These are just lame excuses because English players play most of their county cricket on these pitches,” Abbas opined.
It would’ve been understandable had any other skipper cited the reasons of a used pitch, as Abbas believes England was outclassed by quality bowling which was equally supported by batsmen, who didn’t have enough success in the run chase.
“Had any other captain made the remarks it would have made a sense,” Abbas concluded.
Abbas featured in 78 Tests in which he amassed 5,062 runs at an average of 44.79, as he registered 2,572 runs in 62 One-day Internationals at an average of 47.62.