I believe that I am suited to playing in the longest format of the game: Fakhar Zaman

Pakistan recently announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming tours to Ireland and England in May. The sub-continental nation will be playing the most important and competitive series in the absence of their two strong players, Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan, as the duo have already called time on their international careers.

Thus, there are many new faces who have been provided with golden opportunities to represent the national team and display their talent and abilities. Limited overs format opener Fakhar Zaman is one such young player who has been named in the squad for the Test series against England.

I am ready to bat anywhere for my team: Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar first came into the limelight, after a couple of good innings in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 league games and also compiled a half-century in the semi-final. He continued his great form and scored a magnificent hundred against India in the final match of the tournament and the left-handed opener has been performing consistently since then in the limited overs format at both home and overseas. However, the Pakistani selectors recently revealed that they are planning to use Fakhar as an explosive opener in Test cricket, much like the way he bats in the shorter formats of the game.

“I am ready to bat at any number for the team’s cause. As a professional, it is our duty to play according to the circumstances. I will try my best to do justice no matter where I play,” said Fakhar in a conversation with the media as quoted by the Tribune.

There are many cricketers in the past who have been very successful in the limited overs format but couldn’t establish themselves well in Test cricket. However, the Pakistan opener believes that he has the potential for him to play the longest format. He also has a decent record while playing the domestic cricket in Pakistan, in which he averages 41.91 in 37 first-class games.

“Test cricket is a different format, but I believe I am suited to playing in the longest format of the game. I have a good record in four-day cricket, which is why I believe I will be a good addition to the team,” the Pakistani opener added.

There will surely be difficult conditions in England

The 28-year old gained this massive reputation as an explosive opener in the same conditions where he will be touring for his first Test series. But opening the batting in Test cricket is a very different ball game as compared to doing in the shorter versions of the game. Fakhar also revealed that the conditions in England are surely challenging but players are bound to make some adjustments in their game to be successful in all situations. He also feels that the experience gained while playing the 50-over format in England will surely help him in the upcoming tour.

“Conditions in England are different, where the ball doesn’t come on to the bat easily. Players have to make some adjustments and I’ve trained hard in the camp to overcome any difficulties there. I’ve played in England already, even though it was in the 50-over format. But I believe that experience will help me immensely and I don’t think I will have any problems adjusting there,” he concluded.

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