Pakistan 50-overs captain Azhar Ali has vowed to put up a good show on Pakistan’s upcoming tour to England.
In an interview with DawnNews, Ali said that the experience of 2010 English tour will be very beneficial for them.However despite being confident, Ali is well aware of the threats posed by the English pace attack. The deadly duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad is in superb form and they played a vital role in England’s recent 2-0 victory against Sri Lanka in test series.
“No doubt England tour will be a daunting one. James Anderson really bowled well in 2010 series and now Stuart broad will be tough to handle. But I am hopeful that the team will perform well in the Test Matches,” said the right-hand batsman, who averaged 26 in six Test matches on the tour.
“Personally, I really want to prove myself in the English conditions, as performing in England gets you the limelight and you are recognised as a top player,” said the ODI skipper.
Pakistan are currently lying in a disappointing ninth position in the ODI rankings.Well aware of that fact, the Pakistani skipper said that the team’s main goal would be to win the ODI series and rise in the table.
“Pakistan’s ODI ranking is very low and our performance in this format over the last 2-3 years is not up the mark. We are working hard on skill level and trying to improve in the ODIs as well. My aim is to win ODI series against England and improve our ranking.”
Ali also said that the experience of new head coach Mickey Arthur will help to change the fortune of Green Shirts in ODI cricket.
“Mickey Arthur have vast experience as a coach with quality teams and I’m sure his experience will help us to perform better in England and upcoming foreign series. We have been trying to play aggressive cricket during the last 12 months, but we lack consistency.”
Azhar, who along with senior allrounder Mohammad Hafeez, had opposed Mohammad Amir’s return to the Pakistan side last year, heaped praised on the left-arm fast bowler for his impressive return to the international cricket.
“Amir is a wonderful bowler. Since his return, he has proved himself. The English tour is surely going to be tough for him but he has the ability to perform and counter the pressure,” he said.