Pakistan can bounce back: Sallu

KARACHI: Former Pakistan Test cricketer Salahuddin Ahmed Sallu believes that the national team can draw its two-Test series against New Zealand provided it plays with a positive mindset.

Sallu, also a former national chief selector, told ‘The News’ on Tuesday that Pakistan’s players will have to show more self-belief and give their best if they are to bounce back in the second and final Test against the Black Caps which gets underway from Thursday (tomorrow) in Hamilton.

“Our team can win the final Test to level the series but the players will have to play positive cricket,” said Sallu. “The key to success is concentration, application and dedication and I’m sure that if our players really apply themselves they can turn the tables on New Zealand,” he added.

Pakistan are facing a must-win situation after losing the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch last week. In the series opener, Pakistan’s batsmen were unable to counter New Zealand’s potent attack.

Sallu is of the view that conditions will be tough in Hamilton as well.

“In the first Test our batting line-up flopped completely,” he said.

“Even senior batsmen like Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq were unable to do well which is the reason why we lost.

“We will have to make sure that the players don’t repeat those mistakes. There will be seam and there will be swing in Hamilton as well but as professionals it’s your job to excel even when the conditions are tough.”

Sallu said that Pakistan should consider bringing back left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz, considering that the Hamilton track is expected to offer ample bounce.

“The wicket in Hamilton should suit a bowler like Wahab Riaz. He can replace Yasir Shah, who might not be able to give his best because the conditions in New Zealand aren’t really conducive for spinners.”