Babar wants ‘hard cricket’

Pakistan captain Babar Azam is expecting a typical Bangladeshi wicket at Chattogram and said that his side will play ‘hard cricket’ because they are not taking the opposition lightly despite Bangladesh being without a few experienced cricketers.

Babar, in his virtual press conference on Thursday, said that Bangladesh is not a side that can be taken for granted for a win.

“The difference is the conditions. This is their turf. We are not taking them lightly. They are missing out on a few experienced cricketers; some cricketers are in and out of the team. They are a young side. But those who will be playing, have the experience of playing in such conditions. It’s a bit difficult for us to adjust in quick time, and they can give us a tough time,” said the Pakistan captain.

Pakistan has been busy playing in the T20 World Cup, and now they have to switch to Test matches which will not be easy abroad, said Babar.

“It’s not easy to shift gears, as there was little time in between. There was a travel day, then only two days of proper training ahead of the game. But as professionals, we have to switch on early and get into the Test mode. We have played white-ball cricket for almost two and half months, but now we have to switch to Test cricket very quickly. We must keep patience.

“Our experienced bowlers will help, and spinners are always the key in Asian conditions. We have top-class spinners, and they have been playing for a long time. Our advantage is that many of us are in a nice rhythm, and we need to carry the momentum in the Test series,” he said in the press conference on Wednesday.

Babar expects a typical Bangladeshi wicket at the ZACS, where the surface provides much help for the batsmen.

“The pitch looks like a typical Bangladeshi wicket. Yesterday (Wednesday) there was a little bit of grass on it, and I will see the wicket today (Thursday). Here spinners get good assistance (from the pitch), pacers also get assistance early on. The more we can make good use of the conditions, it will be better for us,” he said.

Bangladesh traditionally relies on spinners when they play Test matches at home, but Babar is confident that his batsmen can tackle them well.

“The conditions here are a bit difficult. But our batting lineup is experienced, and they can handle spin very well. I have seen them handle better spinners earlier. I hope they will do well and make us winners,” Babar told the media.

Pakistan captain is not taking Bangladesh lightly as the Test matches are part of the World Test Championship, where they are yet to secure a series win in the latest cycle.

“Our plan is to play hard cricket. They are missing out on a few seniors, and the team is not experienced enough. But we can’t take them lightly,” said Babar.