Awesome Anjum
22nd September 2005, 06:04
Pak firepower can overcome England challenge: Afridi
DUBAI: Flamboyant opening batsman Shahid Afridi is confident that the forthcoming Pakistan-England cricket series will be a treat to watch, as the hosts are capable of handling the Ashes heroes.
Talking to Khaleej Times on Wednesday the explosive all-rounder said, "Preparations for the series are in full swing and under the guidance of Bob Woolmer players are all set -physically and mentally -to take on Michael Vaughan’s men."
"I know it will be an uphill task to beat England whose confidence is sky-high after beating the world champions Australia in one of the closest-fought series in the history of the game. But, in my view, England will struggle on slow pitches in Pakistan," Afridi reckoned.
Afridi believes Pakistan have all the necessary firepower to overcome the challenge. "We’ve quality fast bowlers in Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Rana Naveed-ul-Hassan, Umar Gul and Danish Kaneria," he said.
"The performance of our batsmen was also quite commendable in the recent two series against India and the West Indies. Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousuf (formerly Yousuf Youhana) and Younis Khan will be hard nuts to crack for England," he stated.
Afridi agreed to former Pakistan captain Imran Khan’s view that England lacked a quality spinner. England have recently announced their squad for the tour and called up veteran spinner Shaun Udal.
About rising young England players Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen Afridi said, "Flintoff is one of the best all-rounders in the game right now as he has proved in the Ashes. He can tear the opposition apart single-handedly. He’s in great form at the moment and Kevin Pietersen is another player to watch after his exploits in his debut series against the Aussies."
"I hope the coming series has much in store for the cricket-loving fans around the world."
Afridi shed some light on Yousuf Youhana’s embracing of Islam recently. He said Youhana was very close to Saeed Anwar and his brother these days and it might have a big influence on him taking such a big decision. "It’s a huge change in his (Youhana’s) life and may God help him to emerge as an exemplary Muslim."
About India Afridi said, "Their captain Sourav Ganguly is under pressure for his recent performances. But the tussle between Ganguly and coach Ian Chappell will be solved soon."
According to Afridi, world champions Australia suffered defeat at the hands of England as their bowling did not click. Glenn McGrath was unable to feature in all matches due to injury and Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz, and even Brett Lee, failed to deliver for the visitors.
DUBAI: Flamboyant opening batsman Shahid Afridi is confident that the forthcoming Pakistan-England cricket series will be a treat to watch, as the hosts are capable of handling the Ashes heroes.
Talking to Khaleej Times on Wednesday the explosive all-rounder said, "Preparations for the series are in full swing and under the guidance of Bob Woolmer players are all set -physically and mentally -to take on Michael Vaughan’s men."
"I know it will be an uphill task to beat England whose confidence is sky-high after beating the world champions Australia in one of the closest-fought series in the history of the game. But, in my view, England will struggle on slow pitches in Pakistan," Afridi reckoned.
Afridi believes Pakistan have all the necessary firepower to overcome the challenge. "We’ve quality fast bowlers in Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Rana Naveed-ul-Hassan, Umar Gul and Danish Kaneria," he said.
"The performance of our batsmen was also quite commendable in the recent two series against India and the West Indies. Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousuf (formerly Yousuf Youhana) and Younis Khan will be hard nuts to crack for England," he stated.
Afridi agreed to former Pakistan captain Imran Khan’s view that England lacked a quality spinner. England have recently announced their squad for the tour and called up veteran spinner Shaun Udal.
About rising young England players Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen Afridi said, "Flintoff is one of the best all-rounders in the game right now as he has proved in the Ashes. He can tear the opposition apart single-handedly. He’s in great form at the moment and Kevin Pietersen is another player to watch after his exploits in his debut series against the Aussies."
"I hope the coming series has much in store for the cricket-loving fans around the world."
Afridi shed some light on Yousuf Youhana’s embracing of Islam recently. He said Youhana was very close to Saeed Anwar and his brother these days and it might have a big influence on him taking such a big decision. "It’s a huge change in his (Youhana’s) life and may God help him to emerge as an exemplary Muslim."
About India Afridi said, "Their captain Sourav Ganguly is under pressure for his recent performances. But the tussle between Ganguly and coach Ian Chappell will be solved soon."
According to Afridi, world champions Australia suffered defeat at the hands of England as their bowling did not click. Glenn McGrath was unable to feature in all matches due to injury and Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz, and even Brett Lee, failed to deliver for the visitors.