Fast-rising wicket-keeper batsman Craig Kieswetter Thursday expressed his confidence in England’s one-day side, saying there were no reason they cannot beat Pakistan in the series starting next week.
England were routed 3-0 in the preceding three-Test series by Pakistan and now face another big challenge in the four-match one-day and three Twenty20 internationals against a side on a roll.
They play a practice match against England Lions in Abu Dhabi on Friday before playing the first one-day against Pakistan, also here on February 13.
Kieswetter, who joined the one-day squad after a successful tour of Sri Lanka with England Lions, said he was excited over the challenge.
“England have a fantastic one-day side with a lot of good players in it. There’s no reason they can’t go on and win this series ahead,” said the 24-year-old, who was also included in the Twenty20 squad.
Kieswetter said all the youngsters included in the limited over squad were exicted about the opportunity.
“All the lads are really looking forward to it. It’s a great opportunity to showcase our talents and put on a good show for everyone watching,” said Kieswetter, who termed the Sri Lanka tour a success.
“We worked really hard over there. It was a long tour, a tough tour and to beat Sri Lanka was a fantastic achievement. All the lads are full of confidence going into Friday’s game.”
And he termed playing in Sri Lanka a learning experience.
“Definitely, it’s an opportunity to progress our cricket and play is the sub-continent is always beneficial. The learning experience was fantastic,” said Kieswetter, who alongwith other players was watching England’s Test series.
“All the guys are huge England fans. It’s obviously not nice to see them lose and we just hope they do well in the one-day series coming up,” added Kieswetter, who has so far played 28 one-day and 14 T20 games for England.
