Bureau Report
LAHORE: Pakistan batting coach Younis Khan has pinned high hopes on the national team’s largely inexperienced batting to notch up 400-plus totals during next month’s three-match series against hosts England.
Speaking to reporters in a PCB online media conference on Tuesday, Younis — the former Pakistan captain and country’s highest run-getter in Test cricket — the Azhar Ali-led side is capable of competing with Joe Root’s men when the first Test starts at Old Trafford in Manchester from Aug 5.
Hired specifically for the forthcoming series, Younis said: “Insha’Allah our team will put up strong show in the batting department to post big totals despite the fact Pakistan have a rather inexperienced line-up. But Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Shan Masood, who have all played previously in England are capable of big scores.
“I remember sharing a big partnership with Asad with both of us scoring hundreds [during the Oval Test in 2016]. I expect more partnerships from the Pakistan batsmen on this tour.”
Younis further said that he is focussing on the batsmen converting centuries into substantial contributions. “I want to see Asad get big scores like a Younis Khan and Azhar as Misbah-ul-Haq. Once they reach 100, they must not think that job is done. I want them convert 100 into 150 and so forth.”
Younis revealed that he’s closely monitoring the problems Asad had been facing for a long time with his lack of big scores. “He has made 12 Test centuries but hasn’t progressed beyond 137.
