Director of the Pakistan cricket team, Mohammad Hafeez, was left disappointed by Australia’s tactics ahead of the three-match Test series, which starts in Perth on December 14.
While speaking to media on Monday, Hafeez said that the pitch for the four-day practice match in Canberra was really slow.
“To be honest we tick most of the boxes as a team but obviously really surprised and disappointed with the pitch we received for practice match in Canberra. It was the slowest pitch on which we can ever play as a visiting team in Australia. But as a team we are very happy with the preparations we had, most of the boxes are ticked and we are absolutely ready for the exciting challenge coming ahead for us,” Hafeez said.
“Everyone knew it. There is no point in repeating it over and over again. The disappointment was really high as we were not expecting such arrangements but it may be their tactics but we are ready for that,” he added.
Hafeez was also upbeat ahead of the Test series despite the fact that Australia are a tough team to beat in their own backyard.
“We are here to beat Australia and not just compete,” the former Pakistan all-rounder said.
The former right-hander also backed the leadership skills of Shan Masood, who will lead Pakistan for the first time during the series.
“Shan Masood is a good cricketer and a leader. He has a good relationship with his teammates. We are not concerned about the fact that we are heading into the series with a new captain and management,” he said.
Hafeez also said that there is a possibility of including both Sarfaraz Ahmed and Mohammad Rizwan in the playing XI but added that “nothing is finalised yet”.
Series schedule
First Test: December 14-18, Perth
Second Test: December 26-30, Melbourne
Third Test: January 3-7, Sydney
