Pakistan’s middle-order batsman Sohaib Maqsood, who has made a comeback in the national squad after more than five years, is not concerned about getting the opportunity to bat at his preferred position.

While speaking at a virtual press conference, Maqsood admitted that he won’t get a chance to bat in the top-order in limited-overs cricket due to the presence of in-form Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman.

“First thing you need to look at is whether that slot [where a player bats in domestic cricket] is available in international cricket. The players who are already performing in those slots have the first right to play there. I have played lower down the order in the initial matches of PSL and I performed a bit as well. So, for the team, whichever number I’m asked to play, I will be available and I will try to give my 100 per cent,” said Maqsood.

“When you are playing for the national side, you have to be selfless. I will try to perform wherever the team management asks me to bat even if it’s not ideal for me. If I’m unable to do well, I won’t use this an excuse as it’s my duty to play wherever I’m asked to,” he added.   

Maqsood also stressed on the importance of playing fearless cricket.

“I will continue to play fearless cricket like I did in domestic cricket. Losing my place in the side no longer affects me the way it used to as I’m making a comeback after five and a half years. Hopefully this approach will improve my chances of doing well,” he said.   

“During the three years when I was part of the national side, I did perform but was not consistent enough. Injuries and poor shot selection were the reason behind that. I will try to not repeat the same mistakes and continue to play with the same mindset, which has helped me make a comeback,” he added.

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He also hoped that the conditions in England will suit the Men in Green and we can expect to see competitive cricket between the two sides.

“Conditions in England are good for batting and we see high-scoring games here. Pakistan did well in the 2017 Champions Trophy here and also during the 2019 World Cup. No doubt, England are one of the best white-ball teams but Pakistan has always given them tough time so we are expecting competitive cricket,” he concluded.

The first ODI between England and Pakistan will take place on July 8.