Hafeez’s fitness still a headache for management

ISLAMABAD: Opener Mohammad Hafeez’s fitness remains a concern for the management, an official in England told ‘The News’.

Sources in the team said that Hafeez has failed to convince the tour selection committee about his match fitness. It is considering playing Shan Masood in the first Test that begins at Lord’s from July 14.

“Yes, it is a matter of concern for the team management. We feel he is not hundred percent fit and feels the knee problem he has been carrying all along these past months,” the source said. “Though Hafeez says he is fit, doubts are there that he might be facing problem in giving his hundred percent,” he added.

Hafeez managed scores of 20 and 10 against Somerset in the opening tour match and got out for 17 in the first innings of the second tour match, against Sussex on Friday.

“Though we have not made up our mind about openers, Hafeez’s progress is being closely monitored,” the source said. 

Hafeez missed the fitness training camp in Abbottabad ahead of the team’s departure because of a knee problem that he developed during the World T20 in March.

“Definitely he is one of the most experienced batsmen. We need his experience for the Test series. We will wait till the last to know about his fitness status before making a final decision. We may take a risk and play him in the hope that he may get a good score. One good innings can make a lot of difference,” the official said.

Pakistan haven’t been able to give a solid start to their innings in three outings with 44 being the highest stand.