| Player: | Shahid Afridi |
DateLine: 1st July 2010
An early tour injury doubt over flamboyant skipper Shahid Afridi was the last thing that the touring Pakistanis would have hoped for. Shahid Afridi shares his thoughts exclusively with PakPassion.net on wanting desperately to play against Australia in the upcoming T20 matches.
Shahid Afridi's importance to the Pakistan squad these days cannot be over-stated. The squad which is undoubtedly lacking experience with key players such as Mohammad Yousuf and Younus Khan missing, is in need for the experienced players such as Afridi to be in top form and fully fit ahead of a gruelling three month tour.
However a side strain during the three day match against Kent and a visit to a Harley Street specialist was certainly not what Afridi would have had in mind, as Pakistan played against Kent at the picturesque venue of Canterbury.
Pakistan coach Waqar Younis told Cricinfo "The scan showed a small muscle rupture in his side. He has been asked to rest for two days and have some treatment, then we will reassess things, but we're hopeful he will be fine".
Speaking to PakPassion.net via his manager Umran Khan of Aces Middle East, Afridi was more bullish. "I have to play against Australia in the Twenty20 matches in Birmingham. I'll be there, don't worry about that" stated Afridi, who was in tremendous form during the recently concluded Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, scoring two tremendous centuries.
Afridi scored a duck in Pakistan's first innings against Kent and didn't bowl, but he is confident that he will be ready to face the Australians having had the adequate rest prior to Pakistan's first international match of the English summer.
"The injury is not too serious and I am confident that I will be lining up against Australia next Monday. It's likely that I won't play in the next two warm up matches, as it's best not to take any risks".
Pakistan drew the three day match with Kent that was completed today, with valuable batting practice for all of their top order. Umar Akmal, Umar Amin, Fawad Alam and Shoaib Malik all spent important time in the middle. The bowlers also impressed in the first innings with Mohammad Aamer picking up a 5for. Umar Gul also bowled 15 overs as he continued his comeback from injury.
(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
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