ISLAMABAD: Pakistan manager Intikhab Alam is excited at the success of the middle-order during the side matches in England.
Talking to ‘The News’ on telephone from London, he said the middle-order’s performance during the two side matches was much better than had been expected.
“Everyone has performed starting from Azhar Ali who hit two centuries. Younis Khan, Misbahul Haq and Asad Shafiq all are among runs. Considering their performance on the tour so far, I am confident that the middle order will act as the backbone of Pakistan campaign this season in England,” he said.
He said Mohammad Hafeez would be supported to show his prowess in the first Test at Lord’s.
Hafeez managed 70 runs in four innings in the two matches. However, the tour selection committee headed by team manager has given him go-ahead to play the first Test starting at Lord’s from Thursday (today).
“Hafeez needs support at this time. We have decided to include him for the opening Test against England. Hopefully he will be in a position to play a big innings here to make himself more comfortable for the rest of the series,” he said.
He said the management had selected 11 for the first Test. The players are Shan Masood, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbahul Haq, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmad, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Aamir, Rahat Ali and Wahab Riaz or Imran Khan. “We have picked our best team for the opening Test. We will go with three pacers and one spinner for the opening Test as we feel this is the best combination for the Lord’s track. There is a close tie between Imran and Wahab Riaz. At the moment we are thinking of going with Wahab considering his experience. Look what happens early morning,” Intikhab said.
Intikhab said that those who were writing off Pakistan for the Test series against England would have to rethink. “I expect a very competitive series. Considering the strength of Pakistan team I can say that it will be a closely-contested affair,” he said.
The weather forecast for the first Test is also encouraging, he said and added that the players had faced cold weather. “For the next three days weather forecast is very encouraging. Hopefully the Test will be an exciting one,” said Intikhab.
The pitch at Lord’s according to Intikhab was brownish. “The pitch is expected to be good for batting initially,” he said.
