Cricket News By TODAYLIVESCORE.INFO - Fast bowlers can be effective on subcontinental tracks too, feels Shaheen Afridi. Afridi picked up a fifer in the first Test.
Afridi picked up a fifer in the first Test.
Pakistan pace bowler Shaheen Afridi believes that physically strong fast bowlers can dictate terms on subcontinental wickets irrespective of its behaviour.
Shaheen and Hasan Ali wreaked havoc in second and first innings in the opening Test against Bangladesh, picking up a fifer each.
The wickets in Bangladesh are traditionally not known for aiding fast bowlers while the surface in Chattogram was nothing but a flat track. Despite not getting huge assistance from the track, Pakistan's pacers managed to dominate, and propelled their side to an eight-wicket win to go 1-0 up in the two-match Test series.
“Most of the wickets in Asian countries are slow and people say that spinners benefit from such wickets. But if you have enough strength and power then you can also be effective here,” Shaheen said.
“Here you have to bowl in pairing [partnerships]. Credit should also be given to Hasan Ali and whenever I bowl with Hasan we decide among us who will attack when and who will check the [flow of] runs. Hasan also has a vital role. For me, whether it's a three-over spell or a five-over one, I want to bowl aggressively. That's the way I have been successful.
“I always enjoy bowling with Hasan Ali. He has 39 wickets this year and I have 44. We bowl in partnerships and plan among ourselves how to keep a batsman under check or puzzle him when a batsman is playing well. I feel good bowling with Hasan because he is a fighter and he always keeps fighting.”
Shaheen said that he is well aware that it is difficult to play across formats over a long period.
“I am trying to enjoy cricket. It is difficult to play three formats in a row in Covid situation. However, physio, trainer, coaching staff are taking care these very well.
”I was rested for two T20s against Bangladesh. Another good thing is that our bench cricketers are also performing well when given the opportunity,” he said.
Shaheen said Pakistan are hoping to carry the winning momentum when they take on the hosts in the series-concluding second Test.
“The team's momentum is now very good, the team combination is great. The boys are ready for the second Test. Of course we will fight and finish well and come back from here with the series win,” Shaheen said. “I will try to bowl full length delivery and enjoy it.
“I always try to give 100% whenever the captain hands over the ball to me. It is not in my hands to take a wicket or not. I can only try to give my best to the team. I can try to win for the team with my aggressive bowling.”
