By IANS,
Karachi : Pakistan captain Younis Khan is expecting the senior players to return to form in the One-day cricket series against Australia starting in Dubai from April 22.
The skipper said Wednesday that his experienced team-mates like Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi perform well against top class opposition and hoped the duo will shine against the Aussies.
Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has made the cut in Pakistan’s 15-member squad after proving his fitness. On his previous international comeback, Shoaib has been unable to impress much but Younis is hoping that it will be a different story this time.
“He (Shoaib) is a very experienced player and my advice to him will be to stay fit, play the entire series and give his best.”
Flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi has also been given a lifeline in spite of a series of flops in recent seasons.
Younis said the national selectors have announced a very balanced team. “Our fans are pinning their hopes on us. It is important for us to give our best against Australia,” said Younis.
Pakistan will hold a preparatory camp in Lahore from April 10 and will then fly out to Dubai next day. Pakistan will take along a ‘reserve squad’ to Dubai and will play a practice match against April 15.