As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the Test series between Pakistan and Australia, pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has not only expressed the team’s resolve to deny Australian opener David Warner a fairytale ending but has also lauded the pivotal role played by .
In a media talk before their practice session in Canberra, Afridi acknowledged Warner’s “great career” and consistent stellar performances across all formats but emphasized that the Pakistani team is not hoping for a favorable ending to Warner’s last Test series against them.
Afridi injecting a competitive edge into the upcoming series, stated,
“We would wish him good luck but we are not hoping for a good end for David Warner in his last Test series against us.”
Adding to the discussion, Afridi highlighted the significance of the series for Pakistan, pointing out their current leading position in the World Test Championship’s points table.
Affirming and highlighting the team’s dedication to retaining their top position, Afridi stated,
“This is an important series for Pakistan as we are leading the World Test Championship’s point table at the moment,”
While discussing the team’s preparedness for the challenge ahead, Afridi expressed confidence, noting,
“We have played against the recently announced Australia’s 14-member squad, and we are all up for this challenge.”
This assurance reflects the team’s readiness to face their formidable opponents.
In a notable addition, Afridi spoke highly of Babar Azam, labeling him as the mainstay of Pakistan’s batting line.
Afridi shedding light on the team’s reliance on Babar and the sense of assurance they derive when he is batting, stated,
“Babar is a main player of our team’s batting line. All players play around him. We all feel satisfied as long as he’s at the crease. He’s a team player,”
The left-arm fast bowler also touched upon the team’s limited experience in Canberra, expressing optimism about the four-day practice match against PM XI from December 6 to 9.
Afridi stated,
“We don’t have much experience of Canberra, but I am sure this four-day match against PM XI will help us prepare well for the series against the home team starting from Perth.”
As both teams gear up for the series, the clash between Pakistan and Australia promises not only intense on-field action but also a touch of sentimentality as Warner bids farewell to Test cricket on his home ground in Sydney. The series, set to commence on December 14 in Perth, will be closely watched by cricket fans around the world.
