Shaheen Afridi says spinners’ role would be crucial in 2nd innings to claim series

F.P. Report

LAHORE: Pakistan cricket team fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi Tuesday said that the role of the spinners would be crucial in the second innings to claim the Test match and series.

Addressing a virtual press conference in Lahore, Shaheen said the wicket is very good for batting, but as a unit, boys bowled according to the plan.

 “The Australians had some good partnership, but we tried to maintain our line and length. This is the beauty of the test cricket that two of the sessions could have belonged to the opposition, other two could be dominated by us,” Shaheen said.  “We tried to bowl on good areas. We put up a good bowling show as a unit”.

Shaheen said that Hasan Ali did not pick up a wicket, so far, but he and the rest of the bowler’s support really matter.

He said that Hasan gave his best and he had given so many performances for the team and the team is aware that Hasan is a match-winner.

“If you bowl on right areas, you could be successful in picking up wickets”, Shaheen said. “The new ball is helping us a lot, but there is a hint of reverse swing.”

Credit goes to Naseem Shah for availing the reverse swing, as he bowled brilliantly, added the 21-year-old pacer.

He also said that Naseem Shah has improved his game and has a bright future for Pakistan. Shaheen said it’s been fun to bowl with Naseem, who is an energetic and young fast bowler.

Shaheen said they tried to contain Australia as early as possible but they have to be given the credit for putting up a fighting score in their first innings.”

“We always try to bowl with a partnership to test the batters,” said Shaheen.” Not only the pacers, but spinners also backed fast bowlers by taking advantage of the conditions.”

Shaheen said he continues to learn and he will continue to improve his bowling in the nets.

Shaheen said that it is not easy to bowl in extreme weather conditions but the bowlers are backing each other and will make more improvements. “I tried to make the batters play on the back foot, because of the conditions.”

Shaheen hoped that Pakistani batters would manage to post 400 to 500 runs. He added the rest of the job would be of our bowlers, on which he has full confidence.

Shaheen (4-79) and Naseem (4-58) bagged four wickets, each to restrict the Aussies, under the 400 mark in their first innings.