In a press conference held in Sydney, Mohammad Hafeez emphasized the importance of comprehending Babar Azam’s requirements before providing him with comfort, stating that understanding what Babar wants is crucial. Hafeez expressed the willingness of the team to support Babar Azam in any way deemed necessary for his optimal performance.
Highlighting Babar Azam’s work ethic and dedication to training, Hafeez acknowledged that Babar engages in rigorous training, showcasing his commitment to enhancing his cricketing skills. According to Hafeez, Babar Azam requires a significant innings to boost his confidence, especially in red-ball cricket, where his prowess extends across all formats.
During the press conference, Hafeez revealed that Shahid Afridi had approached him, seeking some rest due to workload concerns. Acknowledging Afridi’s request, the team management decided to provide him with the needed rest, emphasizing the importance of avoiding injuries resulting from excessive workload. Hafeez clarified that the decision was not to allow workload-related stress to jeopardize any player’s career.
Discussing the impact of the T20 series on Shahin Afridi, Hafeez emphasized that the perception of providing Afridi with ease during the T20 series is misleading. The decision was taken to prevent any potential injuries due to workload, and the team does not want any player’s career to be adversely affected by excessive strain.
Hafeez addressed the situation of Naseem Shah, confirming that he is currently dealing with an injury. He emphasized that if Naseem Shah were unavailable, it would not be an easy task for the team. In such a scenario, Aamer Jamal steps in. Despite the challenges faced during the Melbourne Test, Hafeez expressed confidence in the team’s ability to rectify mistakes and improve in the upcoming matches.
Referring to the Melbourne Test, Hafeez attributed the defeat to dropped catches, which ultimately affected the team’s performance. He acknowledged the need to rectify mistakes made during the series and highlighted the positive aspects of Pakistan’s cricket during the Australia tour.
Hafeez’s insights shed light on the team’s considerations for player well-being and the significance of addressing issues promptly to maintain optimal performance levels.
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