No room for complacency against new-look England team: Babar

ISLAMABAD: Leaving Covid-19 fears behind amid unusual circumstances when the hosts were forced to change their entire squad, Pakistan captain Babar Azam was resolute to field his best team, showing no mercy at all for the new-look England team.

“It is really unfortunate to see seven members of the English squad turning out Covid-19 positive just at the outset of the series but cricket must go on despite these unfavourable circumstances which forced us to make a new beginning just ahead of the series. We had our plans ready for the first choice England team but now when we are to face a totally new-look team, we are in the process of revisiting our strategy books,” Babar said.

When asked about the atmosphere in the Pakistan camp following the news of putting the entire England team in quarantine in the wake of Covid-19 fears, he claimed the emerging situation was never ideal.

“We have to cope with a situation that is not ideal or you can say not entirely cricket-friendly. Yet we have to move forward for the sake of cricket fans and the game’s promotion. All credit goes to Pakistan team members who are continuously playing cricket amid Covid-19 fears and tough ‘Bio-Secure Bubble’, yet succeeded in playing to their best abilities.

“Both the ECB and PCB have assured full support for players’ decision to continue with the tour for the sake of crowd and cricket. We never have thought of calling off the tour or asking for any delay or postponement. Credit for this must go to every member of the touring squad.”

Following a wet start in Derby, Pakistan got a couple of sunny days to train.

“Fortunately, we got good weather during the last two days where we trained hard for the series. But now when we have to face a totally new-look team, our priorities would not change. We would go into the series against England with the best possible combination without keeping in mind which team we are playing against. England are still the world champions and as such we have to show our best performance against them to win the series that would play a big part in Pakistan’s qualification for the next 50-over-a-side World Cup.”

After getting the news of tackling totally new opponents in the series, Pakistan think-tank went through the county cricket and T20 Blast matches videos.

“Yes, it is just like a fresh start for us. We have seen videos of the players’ county matches against whom we are to play in the ODI series. There is absolutely no room to show complacency considering the fact that we are playing against inexperienced opponents. In cricket you have to stay on your toes all the time by playing your best cricket. Pakistan players are mentally tough and know the art of playing hard and tough cricket under any conditions.”

Babar admitted that Younis Khan’s impact had always been positive on batsmen.

“Every batsman learnt a lot from Younis. What happened during these past weeks, however, was a matter between the PCB and Younis.”