Azhar Ali says Pakistan’s bounce-back ability makes team dangerous

Test opener Azhar Ali believes Pakistan cricket team’s ability to bounce back from any situation makes it a dangerous side in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup.

The former captain, however, admitted that the team’s unpredictability remains an “annoying” factor.

“It’s annoying for us to keep being unpredictable, but it’s true,” Azhar told ICC at the #CWCTrophyTour in Bristol. “We know we can bounce back from anywhere and that makes us dangerous. We have done well in World Cups, even though no-one rates us that highly in the build-up. We always produce good performances so hopefully this will be a special one.”

Azhar, who played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s stunning victory in Champions Trophy 2017, said, “We always enjoy playing in England and have played a lot of cricket in England in the recent past. These five ODIs will help us as well. I’m looking forward to the summer, hopefully we can lift the cup.

“Wherever you’re playing, if you have information and experience of playing in the conditions. It will benefit Pakistan a lot. But all ten teams have potential to win games and we’ll have to see what kind of capability they have.”

On Mohammad Amir’s worrisome form ever since his match-winning performance in the Champions Trophy final against India, Azhar suggested it was not too late for the pacer to find his way into the World Cup squad.

“It’s up to the selectors but Amir is definitely a very good bowler,” he said. “He’s lacked form in a few ODIs and didn’t perform up to his potential, but we all know he’s world-class. It’s up to the management and selectors to decide whether he’s up to it or not. If he performs well against England, he might just get in the squad.”

On the team’s opening dilemma, Azhar shared, “I think Imam and Fakhar have been doing well up front. I’m sure they’ll go for the same combination at the top of the order. Hafeez wants to open but he has been doing very well in the middle-order. That’s the way it is right now but I’m sure the management are weighing up the combination right now.”

The former captain was all praise for head coach Mickey Arthur.

“Mickey has done really well with the team,” he said. “He has earned a lot of respect, so hopefully he can help us lift the World Cup, which is very important for all of us. He was with us when we won the Champions Trophy, when we won the No. 1 spot at Test level and became the No. 1 side in T20. He’s done a lot and he’ll be looking forward to cross another hurdle.”