Test cricket? I Can Still Be The Man, Warns Fakhar

Saj Sadiq talks to an emerging Pakistan batsman who feels he is ready to prove himself in the longest format

- Saj Sadiq

Pakistan’s fairytalevictory in theChampions Trophy inthe summer of 2017 wasachieved at a time when not many experts gave them a realistic chance of making it past the group stage.

This rise in stature of Pakistan’s ODI outfit was scripted on the back of some heroic performances by a group of talented yet inexperienced youngsters led by the likes of opening batsman Fakhar Zaman.

Fakhar’s century in the Champions Trophy final against arch-rivals India turned the game at The Oval in his side’s favour and set him up for a fruitful international career.

A surprise selection for Pakistan’s Test squad for the tour of Ireland and England, Fakhar, who has been regarded as a limited overs specialist, now has a new challenge ahead of him. True to his fearless style of batting, the opening batsman is unfazed about this new stage in his career.

“Cricket is played with the same kind of ball and bat around the world so there is nothing special about the challenge of playing in different formats as long as you have the skills.

“The main thing about Test cricket is that you have to adjust your game according to the match situation. I will have to do this to be successful in Test cricket and I will rein in my shots and, yes, if the situation demands it, and I feel confident about it, I will go in to my normal aggressive mode of cricket.”

The experts and media’s reaction to Fakhar’s selection for Tests has been one of surprise as many feel that he does not have the wherewithal to play this format.