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Pakistan’s middle-order batsman, Saud Shakeel, expressed his thoughts on the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka during a press conference. Shakeel acknowledged the quality spinners in the Sri Lankan team and emphasized the need for Pakistan to play their best cricket to emerge victorious. He also mentioned that although he had played in Sri Lanka before, the conditions on this tour would be different, but the team is confident in adapting to them with the help of favorable weather conditions.
Saud Shakeel says playing with Yorkshire has benefited him
Reflecting on his experience playing county cricket for Yorkshire, Shakeel highlighted the benefits it had provided in enhancing his skills. He expressed his determination to perform well in Test matches, with the ultimate goal of making his way into the ODI squad. Shakeel also mentioned the team’s focus on playing modern cricket, referring to the concept of “BazBall,” which emphasizes an aggressive and innovative approach to the game.
The Test series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is set to take place in July. The previous Test series between the two teams in 2022 ended in a 1-1 draw. Pakistan’s tour itinerary includes warm-up games on July 11 and 12, followed by the first Test at Galle International Cricket Stadium from July 16 to 20, and the second Test at Singhalese Sports Club, Colombo, from July 24 to 28.
The Pakistan squad for the series includes Babar Azam as captain, Mohammad Rizwan as vice-captain and wicketkeeper, along with other talented players like Shaheen Afridi and Shan Masood. The team is supported by a dedicated group of player support personnel, including head coach Grant Bradburn, batting coach Andrew Puttick, and bowling coach Morne Morkel, among others.
As the tour approaches, Pakistan’s cricket team is gearing up to face the challenges posed by Sri Lanka, aiming to showcase their skills and secure victory in the Test series.
Schedule of Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka:
9 July – Pakistan land in Colombo
11 and 12 July – Warm-up game
16-20 July – First Test at Galle International Cricket Stadium
24-28 July – Second Test at Singhalese Sports Club, Colombo
Pakistan squad
Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc & wk), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi and Shan Masood
Player support personnel
Rehan-ul-Haq (team manager), Grant Bradburn (head coach), Andrew Puttick (batting coach), Morne Morkel (bowling coach), Aftab Khan (fielding coach), Abdul Rehman (assistant coach), Drikus Saaiman (strength and conditioning coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi (media and digital content manager), Lt Col Usman Anwari (Retd) (security manager), Talha Ejaz (analyst) and Malang Ali (masseur).
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