RAWALPINDI: Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi on Friday defended the decline of the national fast bowlers in international cricket, citing workload and fatigue but insisting they are determined to regain their lost touch.
The Green Shirts, who are set to tour Australia for a three-match ODI series from May 30 to June 4, toured Bangladesh for two Tests earlier this month and suffered a 2-0 whitewash, their second consecutive long form against the Tigers.
During the series, the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), Pakistan pacers, including Shaheen, struggled to trouble the Bangladeshi batsmen with pace, averaging in the mid-130s.
Meanwhile, when asked about the declining pace of the national seamers, Shaheen likened them to a machine, stressing that both need maintenance for optimal performance and highlighted their commitment to give their best for the country.
“When it comes to fast bowling, people need to understand that when a machine runs continuously, it eventually needs maintenance. Some of our fast bowlers have played a lot of cricket. When a player is fresh and rested, naturally, he can bowl with more intensity,” Shaheen said.
“Pakistan’s fast bowlers are always ready to give everything for the country. We are all thinking how to pick up the pace again and the coaches and management are working on it,” he added.
The left-arm fast bowler then jokingly told the reporter that he was trying to bowl at 200 kmph for him.
“If you’re asking about me personally, I’ll try to bowl at 200 kmph for you,” he quipped.
Talking about Pakistan’s preparations for the ODI series against Australia, Afridi said the training camp in Lahore was fruitful, with around 28 to 29 players taking part under the supervision of head coach Mike Hesson and the selectors.
“ODI cricket has not been played regularly, so this camp is important for everyone to get back into rhythm and prepare properly,” he said.
“The training sessions have been very good and we are confident of producing strong performances,” he added.
The 26-year-old welcomed Babar’s return to the Assam ODI squad after missing the series against Bangladesh in March, describing the right-handed batsman as the “backbone” of their middle order.
He also backed the 31-year-old to carry his classic Pakistan Super League (PSL) form into the ODI series.
“Babar has been an important part of the middle-order for a long time. He did well in the PSL and played a good innings in the last Test as well. We hope his form will continue and he will win matches for Pakistan.”