Shahid Afridi, the Pakistan allrounder, could be considered for the ODI squad for the tour of India, days after he was dropped
from the same, according to ODI captain Misbah-ul-Haq. Afridi looked in
good form during the ongoing practice matches at the conditioning
training camp ahead of the India tour, scoring two back-to-back
half-centuries to press his case for a recall. He was, however, named in
the Twenty20 squad.
"If his form remains like this and we need him, we will definitely
consider him," Misbah said at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. "The form
of senior players, who are experienced enough, is very important. They
are seniors, whenever you give performances like this it will be good
for Pakistan."
Afridi had a poor World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka, where he scored 30 runs
in six matches at an average of six and claimed four wickets at 42.74.
In his last 12
international innings across all formats, he averages 6.30 with the
bat. He failed to make an impact in the recently concluded national
Twenty20 competition and looked rusty.
However, during the one-day practice matches, he scored 52 off 40 balls
on Monday and clubbed another impressive 92 off 64 balls on Wednesday.
He looked composed and controlled with the bat, cutting, sweeping and
executing with a straight bat rather than slogging wildly. A lofty six
over the bowler's head into the dressing room was perhaps the biggest
hit in the last three days. But if he is to cement his place in the side
as an allrounder his bowling needs to improve. At the moment, though,
his power hitting is a positive for Pakistan.
Misbah said Inzamam-ul-Haq, Pakistan's batting consultant, has given the
batsmen tips on how to tackle pressure while playing against India.
"Inzamam has been very useful in helping us prepare both psychologically
and mentally - what type of hurdles we are going to face, how to get
out of it, how as a batsman you should carry yourself," Misbah said. "No
doubt in India-Pakistan cricket you have to play aggressive cricket and
we will try to apply it over there."
Misbah was wary of India despite their defeat in the Test series against
England at home. "There is no point underestimating them. We will have
to play hard cricket. Every bowler has a role to play. Against India you
need a balanced attack," Misbah said, stopping short of naming Saeed
Ajmal as their key bowler. "You can't depend on any one, otherwise you
will be under a lot of pressure. India has depth in their batting
line-up and you can't catch them with any one bowler."
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