Khurram Shahzad won’t be part of the Test series against Australia due to an injury to his left 10th rib and an abdominal muscle tear.
Saud Shakeel, expressing regret for Khurram Shahzad injury, mentioned Mir Hamza and Hasan Ali as potential alternatives for the upcoming Melbourne Test. He highlighted their ability to take important wickets in the game ahead.
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“He bowled really well, had a big job coming here. I’m really sad for him that he got injured,” Shakeel told reporters, acknowledging Shahzad’s effort.
“But that’s part of the game. We have a couple of other bowlers as well – Mir Hamza and Hasan Ali – and they can get good wickets in this Melbourne Test,” he added.
Shakeel, reflecting on the challenging conditions in the first Test where he scored 28 and 24, stressed the need for a more positive batting approach.
He urged the team to play aggressively, aiming for attacking shots to score runs and build pressure.
“We just need to be more positive with our batting approach and play some attacking shots to put them under pressure,” Shakeel emphasized.
Discussing the Melbourne pitch, Shakeel expressed optimism. Compared to the bouncy Perth surface, he noted Melbourne’s pitch might favor batting more.
“The Perth pitch has maximum bounce. I think this pitch will suit us better … The matches in Melbourne I’ve seen, it’s not as hard to bat on,” he observed.
Acknowledging the tough Australian bowling attack and the mental challenges in their home conditions, Shakeel stressed the importance of the team collectively stepping up to score runs.
“When you come to Australia, they’ve got good experience and a quality attack. Playing in their home conditions is more of a mental challenge. As a team, we have to go out there and score runs,” he concluded.
