Imad sees England series as a chance to boost team’s morale

ISLAMABAD: Imad Wasim Monday saw the four-match T20 series against England as an opportunity to boost the team’s morale for the forthcoming World Cup starting in the US/West Indies from June 1.

“It is a good opportunity for the team to get ready for the big occasion. Any good performance in the series would do good to the Pakistan team. We are playing the series against the defending champions and one of the best T20 sides. Any good performance against the host team would boost our morale ahead of the World Cup where we are to play some of the best teams.”

Imad said that in such a situation, the element of injury never comes to mind. “I don’t think that is a worrying point. Anyone can get injured anytime. Playing and getting the required practice is more important. We have some of the best specialists with us. They are well equipped to treat injury if at all someone gets it. At this point of time there are absolutely no injury problems. Every player is fit and ready for the series.”

Pakistan’s main all-rounder rated Headingley (Leeds) as one of the best venues in England. “I always love playing here as the venue provides a perfect cricketing stage. The venue also offers some spin under clear skies. I always find the crowd supportive here. I still remember and will possibly remember forever what we have done to Afghanistan on this ground. Personally I will not forget that performance in that particular match.”

On Head Coach Gary Kirsten joining the squad the other day, Imad praised his initial interaction with the players. “His first interaction was very impressive. Gary is an experienced coach and as such would bring in the best with him.”

The all-rounder added that Pakistan plan to continue with the same game strategy that was on display during the last two T20 Internationals against Ireland. “We plan to continue with the same vein and strategy that was on display during the last two T20 matches that Pakistan convincingly won against Ireland. The same attacking batting and same discipline in bowling.”

On weather impact during the series, he said the team had planned for every eventuality. “In case of weather interruption any time in the series, we have chalked up plans as to tackle the given situation.” Imad termed the experience of the last two series against New Zealand and Ireland as beneficial.

“We have lost some matches there which gave us a good opportunity to judge our weaknesses. Sometimes we play relaxed cricket which is never acceptable. We discussed these things in the meeting and made a firm commitment not to relax anytime against any team no matter how strong or weak the team is. We play every match from here on with the same intensity that we have shown in the last two matches. What we want is to improve our game and remove flaws if there are any. If we succeed in that, things will improve rapidly.”

Imad said that the entire unit including PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, coaches and captain are totally focused on bringing the best out of the team members. “We are ready to make a point and put in our best efforts in every match we play.”