Asad Shafiq optimistic of Pakistan's chances in the Boxing Day Test

Pakistan middle-order batsman Asad Shafiq who almost snatched victory for Pakistan from the jaws of defeat against Australia in the first day-night Test at the Gabba feels that the visitors have a very good chance of levelling the 3-match Test series in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne. The 30-year-old who scored a fighting 137 of 207 balls in the opening Test believes that posting a good 1st innings total will be key to Pakistan’s success in the upcoming two matches.

“From what I have seen and heard, the wicket at the MCG helps Pakistan more than other. So we all know that if we put up a good total batting first, we will have a good chance of winning,” Shafiq was quoted saying by reporters in Melbourne. Shafiq who has the most centuries in the No.6 positions also said that the team knows it will be a packed MCG crowd on Monday and they understand the importance of the game.

“It’s a big Test match, the Boxing Day Test,” he said. “We all grew up watching this Test match in Pakistan. And we know the value of this Test. We are hopeful and positive especially after the first Test where the whole team gelled together well.” The talented right-hander also conceded that the team is confident of doing well in the next two Tests after putting up a spirited batting performance in the 2nd innings of the 1st Test.

“We are playing positive cricket and good cricket [at the moment]. “Nobody was expecting that we would come back like this [in the first Test]. We all showed character and courage.”

“These kinds of matches always give you confidence as a team and as a player. Especially, if the first match of the series is like this, that always helps [everyone] in the upcoming games,” he further added. Shafiq also spoke about his experience of playing at the MCG and said it was an honour to play in such a historic stadium.

“I have never played in front of such a massive crowd,” he said. “MCG has a history and it is an honour for me to play here. It will be exciting for those who are playing here for the first time. We are all united after the way we played in the first Test. We are hopeful of getting good results in the next two Tests,” Shafiq concluded.