LAHORE: Pakistan’s top batsmen are looking forward to the big challenge.
Two days before departing from England where they face the hosts ahead of the World Cup, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam and Abid Ali seem quietly confident about Pakistan’s chances and their performances.
Pakistan leave for England on Tuesday where they will play five One-day Internationals and a Twenty20 before kicking off their World Cup campaign against the West Indies on May 31.
And Hafeez, one of the most seasoned campaigners in the Pakistan squad, is ready to take on any required role to serve the team in what can be his last World Cup.
“I believe I can play every kind of innings, under pressure or in any other situation.” the right-hander said during a mixed zone session at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
“I have played as opener but as our young openers are doing well. Therefore I am satisfied batting at number four.”
Hafeez also offers utility to the side with his right-arm off-break but has recently recovered from a hand injury he suffered during this year’s Pakistan Super League.
“I am recovering from the surgery and thankfully have received sufficient time to get well before the start of the series against England,” he said.
Hafeez also expressed his desire to help Pakistan end their winless record against India at the World Cup.
Less experienced than Hafeez, but arguably the most reliable batsman in the Pakistan line-up, Babar is willing to take more responsibility during the upcoming campaigns.
Babar, 25, said he counts himself as a senior member of the national squad now and will have to perform with the consistency which is expected from a seasoned player.
The right-hander, who boasts an impressive ODI average of 51.29, said he will try to make history at the World Cup.
”Setting all past performances aside I will go to perform outstandingly well to make it a memorable one for me and the country by winning it,” said Babar.
Babar responded to criticism he faces frequently for not being a hard-hitter of the ball. The Lahore-born player said as far as he is piling runs he does not need to change his approach to batting.
“If my current batting style has elevated me as one of the top batsmen in the world, what’s wrong with it,” he said.
“But I also hit the ball hard when there is a need.”