Babar Azam to continue as opener: Mike Hesson

F.P. Report

LAHORE: Pakistan men’s team head coach Mike Hesson has said Babar Azam will continue to play as an opener, adding that there has been not to give wicketkeeping duties to Babar.

Talking to the media, Hesson stated that Babar Azam will perform his duties purely as an opener. He said that no batter has been instructed to play with a strike rate of 150, adding that Pakistan’s struggles in T20s stem from issues in the batting department.

Mike Hesson confirmed that pacer Hasan Ali will travel with the team to the West Indies, praising his recent performances. He said Hasan Ali is playing very good cricket. In the absence of some fast bowlers, PCB has given opportunities to others. Players who align with the international plans will be given more chances.

Commenting on the bowling unit, Hesson said, “Shaheen Shah Afridi is a world-class bowler. Unfortunately, Haris Rauf is not with us due to injury. Salman Mirza has been included as Hasan Ali’s replacement.”

Hesson stated: “I am part of the selection committee. The committee selects a pool of 20 players, from which the captain and coach pick the final 15 to be submitted to the chairman.”