Young Pakistani batsman Usman Salahuddin who performed well in the practice match against Leicester has left it to the coach and management for the selection in Test matches against England.
In an interview, he said, “It was a good game for us before the [England] Test series.”
“For me it was my first game for Pakistan and I am happy that I got 50 runs. “It’s up to the coach and management, I gave a 100% in this practice game and the final decision [for my selection] is with the coach and the captain,” he added.
Salahuddin credited the coaching staff and management for giving him confidence. He said, “Alhamdullilah, I’m feeling great, this was my first practice match and I gave a superb performance. I would like to thank God and especially the coaches who made me work hard for which I got the returns and scored 70 runs.”
“England are a very good Test team but we are working hard with the coaching staff.”
“We have been here one month so are now used to these conditions so I don’t think there will be any problems with these conditions.”
“I think we have adjusted to the conditions a lot as we have been here for a month already and have already played quite a few practice matches plus an Ireland Test match. I think the weather from the Leicester practice match would be the same as London and this practice match before the Lord’s Test is really helpful for us.”
He said, “The preparations have been going great, the boys have been putting in a lot of hard work, the coaching staff are making sure of that and the fielding sessions and net sessions have been going really well. The team environment is really good, all the guys are trying their best and Inshallah we will try our best to win the series.”
Talking about playing at Lord’s, he said, “All the bowlers have put in a good effort in this game ahead of the Lord’s Test. “It’s exciting to play at Lord’s as we are a young side.”
“We are enjoying the large Pakistani crowds.”
Pakistan face England in the first Test on May 24.