Last Update: January 08, 2023, 23:05 IST
Babar Azam talking to reporters ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand.
Speaking to the media ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand, Babar silenced a reporter when asked if he was thinking of stepping down as Test captain because of his poor record at home since last year .
Karachi: Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was bombarded with questions over his captaincy future after a winless Test season at home.
Speaking to the media ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand, Babar silenced a reporter when asked if he was thinking of stepping down as Test captain because of his poor record at home since last year .
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“I think now we have a white-ball series and the Test matches are over. So if you have any query about this white-ball series, ask about it,” Babar fired back on Sunday.
When Babar was asked again about his captaincy whether it was affecting his batting, he replied: “I don’t need to prove myself to anyone. I know how I’m doing. My focus is on doing well for Pakistan.”
Babar also said that the players are looking forward to the ODI series starting on Monday at the National Stadium.
“We have done well in the white-ball format and we want to continue that momentum against New Zealand, although we know they are a very good team and it will be a tough series for both teams,” he added.
Babar also made it clear that he had no issues with interim chief selector Shahid Afridi over the selection of players and added that he and the head coach were regularly conveying their plans to the selectors in further meetings.
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“I think we are on the same page which is important. We have our best bowlers back and hopefully we can do well against New Zealand.”
New Zealand’s Kane Williamson said it was not decided what approach his team would take in the three-match series as it would all depend on the conditions.
“We have followed a particular pattern in white-ball cricket and we would like to do so, but for some of our players playing in subcontinent conditions is a new experience and they will have to adapt during the match.”
Williamson, who last scored an ODI hundred in 2019, said he was not deterred by it as what was important was to score runs at the right time for the team.
All three ODIs in the week will be played in Karachi and Williamson said he has not decided on a replacement for fast bowler Matt Henry who was ruled out of the white-ball series in Pakistan. India due to an injury
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)