- Advertisement -
By Muhammad Naeem Khan Niazi
LAHORE, Jan 28 (APP):Australian captain Mitchel Marsh has said that the three-match series is the right platform to preparations for the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup in India and Srik Lanka due to the similar conditions in Pakistan.
Addressing the pre-series press conference at the Gaddafi stadium on Wednesday afternoon, he said Australian team is in good stead and made preparations for four days in Dubai before travelling to Pakistan for the three-match series at the Gaddafi stadium on January 29, 31 and February 1.
Marsh, who led Perth Scorchers to title against Sydney Sixers in final of the BBL 15 in Australia, said that the team had gelled well in Dubai while some players will join later due to BBL duty or for being rested. “We’ve got some guys that weren’t quite ready to be here,” Marsh responded, adding “But they’re back home training and preparing to meet us in Sri Lanka, so absolutely no stress from our end.”
The Australian cricket has rested five cricketers for the Pakistan series including Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Glenn Maxwell, Tim David and Nathan Ellis.
On the Pakistani fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, he said that Pakistan has great history of fast bowlers over the years, adding that Shaheen is an amazing bowler and he looked forward to a great series ahead.
On being caught off hand by cold weather in Pakistan as compared with Australia and Dubai, the Australian captain tacitly admitted that the weather was comparatively in Lahore but promised good cricket, adding that “the Australian side was ready to go tomorrow”.
Marsh added that some of the Australian team members would meet them in Sri Lanka, as the tour was “really important for our World Cup preparations”.
On Babar challenge despite below par performance in the BBL, Mitchel Marsh said Babar’s been a world-class player for a long period of time for Pakistan, adding that the “Australian team has great respect for him. And we know that in these conditions he’s one of the best players in the world still, so we look forward to that challenge.”
Marsh admitted that the Pakistani team will be a big challenge in the home conditions at the Gaddafi stadium and the similar conditions will be useful in Sri Lanka, adding that the Australian were ready for the spin-bowling challenge against Pakistan.