AUS vs PAK: ‘We Weren’t Expecting These Kind of Arrangements’ – Mohammad Hafeez Slams Cricket Australia Ahead of Perth Test

Mohammad Hafeez, the team director for Pakistan, criticised the practice match conditions in Canberra ahead of the Australia Test series, expressing genuine surprise and disappointment with the arrangements.

Recently, the Pakistan team engaged in a Test match against the PM XI in Canberra as part of their preparation for the three-match Test series beginning on December 14.

Despite gaining positives from the match, Mohammad Hafeez anticipates that the conditions in Canberra differ significantly from what Australia will present in the upcoming series.

“That was the slowest pitch a visiting team could ever play on in Australia. As a team we are really happy with our preparations because we ticked most of the boxes,” Hafeez was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“Everyone knew [the pitch wasn’t what we wanted], so there was no point in saying it again and again and raising the issue with Cricket Australia. The disappointment was really high because we weren’t expecting these kinds of arrangements. Maybe it’s tactical but we’re ready for it. We’re not using it as an excuse, we’re absolutely ready for the challenges coming up.”
Eager to take on Australia, Hafeez conveyed his confidence in Pakistan’s ability to defeat the home team, emphasising the team’s ample talent.

“We have ticked most of the boxes in our training. Everyone on the team is excited to showcase their ability and eager to win.”

Meanwhile, the Men in Green suffered a massive blow ahead of the series opener as their young spin sensation Abrar Ahmed has ruled out of the opening Test and he is expected to return to the team for the second Test.