Defending Pakistan’s pace attack, skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi said on Friday that heavy workload and fatigue had contributed to reduced rates but insisted the bowlers remained determined to regain their lead.
The Green Shirts, who will host Australia for a three-match ODI series from May 30 to June 4, toured Bangladesh in two Tests earlier this month and suffered a 2-0 whitewash, their second in a row against the Tigers in the longest format.
During the series, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), Pakistan’s pacers, including Shaheen, struggled to trouble the Bangladesh players with pace, averaging in the mid-130s.
Meanwhile, when asked about the declining pace of the national sailors, Shaheen highlighted their commitment to give their best for the country as he compared himself to a machine, stressing that both need maintenance for better efficiency.
“When it comes to fast bowling, people need to understand that when a machine keeps running continuously, eventually it 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 their all for the country. We are all thinking how we can increase our pace again and the coaches and management are also working on it,” he added.
The left-arm pacer then humorously told the journalist that he would try to bowl at 200 kmph for him.
“If you ask me personally, I’ll try to bowl at 200km/h for you,” he joked.
Speaking about Pakistan’s preparations for the ODI series against Australia, Afridi said the training camp in Lahore had been productive, 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 the camp was important for everyone to regain the rhythm and prepare properly,” he said.
“The practice sessions have been very good and we hope to produce strong performances,” he added.
The 26-year-old also welcomed Babar Azam’s return to the ODI side after missing the away series against Bangladesh in March, terming the right-handed batsman as the “backbone” of their middle order.
He further backed the 31-year-old to carry his sublime Pakistan Super League (PSL) form into the ODI series.
“Babar has been an important part of the middle order for a long time. He performed well in the PSL and also played good innings in the last Test match. We hope his form continues and he wins matches for Pakistan.”
