Published: Mar 18, 2013, 09:27 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 18, 2013, 09:27 PM (IST)
Shahid Afridi has gone wicketless in the first three ODIs against South Africa © Getty Images
Karachi: Mar 18, 2013
Despite being in good batting knick in the ongoing limited-over series against South Africa, flamboyant Pakistani allrounder Shahid Afridi said it is his bowling form that is worrying him.
Afridi, who played a belligerent 88-run knock off merely 48 balls, has been making useful contribution with the bat in this series as doubts were raised over his future in the side due a slump in his batting form.
“It feels good to be batting well again. My confidence is back but I still want to regain my good form in bowling because to me bowling has always been my strength,” he told Geo News channel from South Africa.
Afridi had earlier scored quick-fire 16-ball 34 in the first ODI. However, he has gone wicketless in the first three ODIs and has struggled with his bowling.
A concerned Afridi said he was working hard with the Pakistan bowling coach, Muhammad Akram to regain his touch.
“I want to bowl well again for my team because in the past my bowling has been a key strength for the team,” he said.
The allrounder feels that the new ODI rules which make it mandatory or fielding sides to have five fielders inside the circle all the time has made life difficult for the spinners.
“I am still learning to cope with these new rules which have made it difficult not only for me but also my fellow spinners like Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez. We are working on new ways to cope with the new rules because spin is our strength and we are conceding too many runs,” Afridi said.
Afridi also said that he was ready to bat at any position depending on the requirement of the team.
“I am always prepared to bat at any position if my captain wants, even at number one or two. I have batted at different positions for Pakistan in the past. What is good for me is that I am now feeling comfortable batting and the confidence is back. I have struggled a lot and it has been a hard journey for me,” he said.
Afridi said despite his poor form with the bat he had not given up hope and knew that the bad patch would get over soon.
“Every sportsman and person faces good and bad times and one has to show character and cope with every situation,” he said.
