Australia recently whitewashed Pakistan 5-0 in the ODI series that was played in UAE. The hosts had rested a number of regular players for the series as before that, they had played continuous cricket including the Pakistan Super League.
Many players like Shan Masood, Abid Ali, Saad Ali, Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Hasnain got the opportunities to make their ODI debuts. However, the visitors proved to be too good and kept Pakistan winless in the series.
Despite the loss, there were some positives based on which Inzamam-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s chief selector, feels that Pakistan is strong enough to win the World Cup. He pointed out that because of the busy schedule ahead, they had rested the key players. The intention was also to try out new players. When the regulars come back, Pakistan will be a force to reckon with.
“Against Australia, we had rested seven of our key players. In the last two games, we had rested around 10 of our main players but the team still fought hard in those matches and that is a very good sign for me,” said Inzamam as quoted by ICC’s website.
“I am confident we will pick a very good team for the World Cup and Pakistan will be among the favourites for the title. These players needed rest before the World Cup and we have a hectic schedule in England going into the tournament that is why we rested them and we also wanted to try out our bench strength,” added the former Pakistani captain.
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Fond memories of England
The World Cup 2019 is scheduled to be held in England and Wales. The Men in Green have fond memories of that place as they had defeated India to win the Champions Trophy in 2017. They know the conditions and how to win there. What adds to their chances is the tour to England just before the mega event. The players will have a great chance to acclimatize under conditions where all the stakes would be at.
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