Shahid Afridi, the Pakistan all rounder, could be careful for the ODI squad for the tour of India, days after he was dropped from the same, according to ODI captain Misbah-ul-Haq. Afridi looked in good form during the ongoing practice matches at the condition training camp ahead of The India tour, scoring two back-to-back half-centuries to press his case for a recall.
If his form remains like this and we need him, we will absolutely consider him, Misbah said at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The form of senior players, who are practiced enough, is very important. Whenever you give performances like this it will be good for Pakistan.
Afridi had a poor World T20 in Sri Lanka, where he scored 30 runs in 6 matches at an average of six and claimed four wickets at 42.74. In his last 12 international innings across all formats, he averages 6.30 with the bat. He failed to make an impact in the lately concluded national Twenty20 opposition and looked rusty.
However, during the one-day practice matches, he scored 52 off 40 balls on Monday and clubs another impressive 92 off 64 balls on Wednesday. He looked composed and forbidden with the bat, cutting, extensive and executing with a straight bat rather than slogging wildly.
A lofty 6 over the bowler's head into the dressing room was perhaps the main hit in the last 3 days. But if he is to cement his place I the side as an all-rounder his bowling needs to improve.
Misbah said Inzamam-ul-Haq, Pakistan's batting advisor, has given the batsmen tips on how to tackle pressure while playing against India. Inzamam has been very useful in helping us prepare both expressively and mentally - what type of hurdles we are going to face, how to get out of it, how as a batsman you should carry yourself, Misbah said. No doubt in India-Pakistan cricket you have to play violent cricket and we will try to apply it over there.
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