Key points
- Team adapting to English conditions despite rain delays
- Strong bench strength praised on both sides
- Young players eager to impress national selectors
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Shaheens captain Saud Shakeel has expressed strong confidence in his side’s preparations ahead of their upcoming multi-format tour of England, which is set to begin tomorrow.
Speaking to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) digital platform, Saud Shakeel discussed the squad’s progress and the challenges posed by English conditions.
@pcb Pakistan Shaheens’ One-Day series campaign to begin tomorrow 🇵🇰 Captain Saud Shakeel shares thoughts on the team’s preparations and the opportunity ahead for the players 🎙️
“It usually takes a couple of days to adjust to the conditions here in England, particularly as the ball tends to move around early on. Despite the limited opportunities we’ve had to prepare, we’re making good progress. Since the tour begins with one-day matches, we’ve been focusing our training with the white ball,” he said.
“There were a few interruptions due to rain, but we made the most of whatever time we had,” he added.
Shaheens’ bench strength
The left-hander highlighted the importance of Pakistan Shaheens’ bench strength and praised the depth in the England side as well.
“They’ve got a decent bench strength too. They usually select players they’re considering for the senior England side, and it’s a similar situation with us. So I believe it will be a competitive series,” he explained.
“We have some exceptionally talented young players, and this is a great opportunity for them to impress the selectors. Performing well on such tours boosts confidence in a different way, especially with international cricket as the next step. It’s a positive sign, and more of these tours should definitely be arranged,” Saud Shakeel concluded.
For those unaware, Pakistan Shaheens will begin their England tour with a three-match one-day series against the Professional County Club Select XI, scheduled to take place from 22 to 27 July.
Pakistan Shaheens squad: Saud Shakeel (c), Ali Zaryab, Azan Awais, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Suleman, Mubasir Khan, Musa Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Omair Bin Yousuf, Rohail Nazir (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Shahid Aziz, Shamyl Hussain, and Ubaid Shah.
