LAHORE – Pakistan ODI team vice captain Shadab Khan has said that he is fully fit and he is focused on contributing for the national team as a ‘bowling all-rounder’.
Talking to the reporters virtually here on Sunday, the all-rounder said that his main focus is producing good results with ball during the upcoming series against South Africa and Zimbabwe. “I hope that in the near future, my performance will be consistent. I am fully fit and I would look like a bowling all-rounder. While batting is my plus point, I will try to focus more on the bowling. Champions Trophy is the highlight of my career so I would like to bowl in the same way.”
The 22-year old also vowed to make a strong comeback in the Test side, claiming that he is fully fit and focused on producing good results in the upcoming premier domestic events. “I am fully fit and will do my best in the next Quaid-e-Azam Trophy to make a comeback in the Test side. I played Tests against England and my performance wasn’t good enough but I will try my best to deliver this time and make a strong comeback in the Test team.”
About the return of Sharjeel Khan in the national squad, he said that the opening batsman is working hard on his fitness ahead of the South Africa and Zimbabwe series and the team needs aggressive batsmen like him. “Sharjeel is working hard and he is improving his fitness. He has served his punishment and returned from a process; played domestic cricket and performed well in the PSL. He is a match-winner and Pakistan team need players like him.”
In his absence last year, Pakistan got in leg spinners Usman Qadir and Zahid Mahmood in the side along with left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz. Shadab has, however, remained the side’s vice-captain and acknowledges that nobody’s spot in the starting XI is guaranteed. “I know there is big competition around me which I see as a healthy one for the team,” Shadab said.
“It’s not my team rather it’s Pakistan, and if the team is winning with me or another player that is eventually what we all want for the country. The team right now has become so rich that we have back-ups for every position. It’s a good sign for a good team in the world. Such competition is useful. It puts a bit of pressure on every player, but that anyway is always there when you play international cricket. Usman, Zahid and Nawaz are doing well and to be honest, whoever performs well, will stay in the side.”
Shadab said that the upcoming series against South Africa is very important. “This series is very important because it is part of the World Cup qualifiers. Therefore, we will try our best to win it,” he said, adding that the ongoing national camp here at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore is going well. “All the players are confident and dynamic. The two training sessions have been excellent. We are preparing well for the upcoming series and we are hopeful of doing well during both the series,” he said.
Follow the PNI Facebook page for the latest news and updates.
