Saud gears up to show intent in batting

ISLAMABAD: Saud Shakil Friday vowed to raise his individual striking rate according to the requirements of modern day international cricket. In a media talk at the Pindi Stadium, the middle-order batsman said he has been working on that front for months now.

“You must have seen the change during the recent Test series against Sri Lanka. You have to show intent to play according to the requirements of modern day cricket. I have done that during the series against Sri Lanka. And will try to do that in a series to come.”

Saud hoped that he would carry the responsibilities of middle-order batting. “I think every player and every position in the team is important. I would try to play to my potential in the best possible way,” he replied when asked whether he would be ready to take over the middle-order responsibilities like Younis Khan and Misbahul Haq.

Saud added that the team had been preparing for the Australian tour with one eye on the conditions in Australia. “We have Australian conditions in mind and are training that way. I hope that the four-day prior to the Test series will help us get in better shape for the series.”

On Babar Azam’s remarks which termed Saud ‘Chota Don’. “That was only a joke as he always keeps us in a good mood. He used to do that when he was captain and now as a senior player.”

He rejected a selected impression that the majority of players play for themselves not for the team. “That is not right. We only play for the country and according to the requirements.” On the question of mental toughness, Saud said for professional cricketers, staying fit and ready is a requirement. “You have to be physically fit and ready. It is a job of professional cricket.” Saud said the coming trip to Australia will be his first. “I will try to make it worth remembering by helping the team to play competitive cricket.”