Shaheen optimistic ahead of ‘tough’ England tour

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi is optimistic ahead of his team’s upcoming tour of England, despite lack of practice due to novel coronavirus (Covid-19).

While talking to Cricket Pakistan in an exclusive interview, Shaheen said that arriving in England, well in advance, will help them get acclimatised with the conditions.

“It’s going to be tough because we have not been able to practice properly due to Covid-19. But having said that we will get ample amount of time, before the series, to train and get to know the conditions as we will be arriving in England, well in advance,” said Shaheen. “Although we did well in our recent Test series and are hoping to continue that during England tour as well.”

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He also spoke about the importance of West Indies tour of England, before Pakistan series, and the implementation of new rules and regulations.

“Things will be different this time around [due to regulations changes] but the West Indies series against England will give us an idea on how to deal with it which is why we will be keeping a close eye on those matches,” he said.

The young left-arm quick also spoke about the impact of working with the team’s bowling coach Waqar Younis.

“I consider myself lucky to be working with Waqar bhai. I learn a lot from him in the nets and try to apply that on the field,” he said.

Pakistan are scheduled to take on the home side in three Tests and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), which will be played in August-September.