KARACHI: Pakistan skipper Babar Azam Sunday vowed to make a comeback in Test series against New Zealand.
While addressing a press conference in Karachi, he said that it was the duty of the Pakistani cricket team to show performance in the ground. He added that the players would do their best to play well against New Zealand. “The pitch looks good. I hope we will play well,” he stated.
“We have not finalised the playing XI. We will do that after discussion with the chief selector,” he added.
The prolific right-hander pointed out that the strategy of playing cricket was decided after inspecting the situation of the ground. The Pakistan captain also said that the focus of the team was to win the Test series against New Zealand.
He also expressed his regret over losing Test series to England. “We could not play well against England,” he regretted. New Zealand captain Tim Southee also addressed the press conference in Karachi and expressed his hope that the Kiwis would enjoy the play in Pakistan.
“Pakistan is a tough contender. We will try to play our best,” he added. He also pointed out that Pakistan lost to England, adding: “But will not take it easy. We are so happy for this series.”
It is to be noted here that the first Test match between Pakistan and New Zealand will commence in Karachi from Monday (tomorrow). The second Test match will be played in Multan from the 2nd of the next month.
The ODI matches will start in Karachi from the 10th of the next month.
Twenty-seven full high-resolution cameras will be installed and complete Hawkeye review system will be available for the two series.
Meanwhile, New Zealand team participated in a training session ahead of the two-match Test series at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi.
After the physical training, they participated in practice sessions in group format, with groups of five to six players engaged in batting, fielding, catching, and bowling practice. On the other hand, home side will commence their preparation from tomorrow onwards.
Trophy unveiled for Pakistan-New Zealand Test series
A trophy for the two-match Test series between Pakistan and New Zealand was unveiled on Sunday at the National Stadium Karachi.
Photos shared by the PCB on Twitter show Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and his New Zealand counterparty Tim Southee can be seen posing with the trophy. Addressing a press conference, Babar Azam revealed that the squad for the first test would be finalised after holding consultation with new chief selector Shahid Afridi.
A day earlier, the PCB and New Zealand Cricket mutually agreed to shift the second Test from Multan to Karachi due to deteriorating weather conditions, which have already disrupted flight operations and may also potentially result in the loss of playing hours.
