Every player is motivated to perform well against Australia: Salman Ali Agha

KARACHI: Pakistan white-ball team vice-captain Salman Ali Agha said on Saturday that the Green Shirts are motivated to perform well against Australia as their only focus is on the upcoming series.

Pakistan and Australia are scheduled to meet in the upcoming three-match One-Day International (ODI) series starting from November 4 to 10.

“Every player is interested in doing well here and we have developed a strategy that takes into account the Australian conditions and their strengths,” Salman told media in Melbourne.

He noted that the team had only been in Melbourne for two days and while the playing squad had not yet been determined, the leadership of coach Jason Gillespie had been instrumental in helping the players adapt to local conditions.

He also highlighted that the series marks Pakistan’s return to ODI cricket after almost a year, saying, “The color of the kit may have changed, but the bat and ball remain the same. We’re focused on doing the best we can with simplicity.”

The vice-captain also expressed confidence in Pakistan’s pace attack, highlighting that the fast bowlers’ ability to bowl at 140 kmph and above is a significant advantage for the team.

Talking about star players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah and their absence from the recently concluded England series, Salman said that they were not dropped but were given rest to recover from continuous play.

Salman’s comments come after three players were given time out in the last two Tests against England, which the Greenshirts won 2-1 last month.

He added that the 30-year-old batter, even when he is no longer captain, remains actively involved in the game and often shares valuable knowledge with the team.

The vice-captain expressed confidence that all three will return fresh and ready to perform well against Australia.