Salman stays tight-lipped on his future as white-ball captain

ISLAMABAD: Salman Ali Agha refused to make any comments over the possibility of his nomination as the white-ball captain, saying that the entire team was concentrating on the Test series against England, “I will comment when the time comes. Today’s media talk is only focused on Test series prospects.”

Talking to media at the Multan Stadium following a hectic training session Thursday, regarding a question on ‘The News’ story that his name was also in consideration along with Mohammad Rizwan, he said that he would react when the time comes.

“We are only focusing on the Test series at the moment, l would respond when the time comes.” The all-rounder said that Babar Azam’s decision to step down as white-ball captain was his own.

“We must respect his decision. He has contributed a lot to Pakistan cricket as a captain and as a batsman. We must respect his decision to relinquish the charge of captaincy. All the best for Babar as the future batsman and hopefully he will continue to bat the way he had been batting for the country in the past.”

Salman rated England as a highly competitive team. “They have proved this during their last tour to Pakistan. We know well that the team is a highly competitive one and have planned accordingly. I know well how tough and competitive the visiting team would be. We have to play our best cricket to pose a tough challenge to them.”

On the hot weather conditions, Salman said it was nothing new for Pakistan. “We played in much tougher conditions previously. For England, however, the things would be tough as they are coming out of cold weather. It would never be easier for them to adjust at the outset but still, I feel they are a high-class team having all the potential to surprise opponents.”

He reiterated his earlier stance, saying that he always tried to give his best. “When I come to bat, I rate myself as a batsman and when I bowl I feel I am a bowler. I always try to contribute to the team cause whenever I get the opportunity.”

On England’s aggression and their Bazball style of play, Salman added that Pakistan team was mentally ready to face such aggression. “We have chalked out our plans to tackle that style of play. Hopefully, we would be in a position to give them a tough time this time around.”

On the nature of the playing surface for the opening Test against England, he said it would be too early to predict. “We would be in a position to make any comments on the pitch a day before the start of the Test match.” The all-rounder wished Pakistan women’s team all the success for the T20 World Cup. “We wish them all the success for the women’s World Cup. Hopefully, the team would put up a gallant show.”