Sarfraz urges players to focus on physical fitness

ISLAMABAD: Former Test Cricketer Sarfraz Nawaz has urged the national players to work on their physical fitness keeping in mind the tough weather conditions of Sri Lanka in August.

Pakistan will play two Tests and three ODIs against Sri Lanka starting next month. Talking to APP, Sarfraz said, "It was a good decision of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) to hold a camp in the Holy month of Ramazan as the Sri Lankan series will be just after Eid." Waqar Younis should help the players especially pacers in improving their physical fitness, he added.

Sarfraz said Younis Khan and Saeed Ajmal would prove the difference-makers in the series against Sri Lanka. "PCB selectors did a good thing by putting Younis in the ODI squad as his experience would definitely prove lethal for the Sri Lankans," he added.

Sarfraz said,"Ajmal bowling would prove match winning in the series," adding however, tough competition is expected by the Sri Lankan team as well.

Former great batsman Javed Miandad said it is difficult to predict which tean would win the series saying cricket is a game of chance and anything could happen. "Consistent performance in the game is the only thing needed," he added.

Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq said spin bowling plays a major role in any games played in Sri Lanka and with our bowling attack, we have good chances if we play to our potential.

"We are working hard on batting and bowling," he said.

While lauding the coaches, Misbah said they are always there to help but it's up to the players to perform and put the training to good use. "Grant Flower is working very hard with us but it is our responsibility as a batting unit to apply what he is coaching us," he said.

Misbah said the first game of the series against Sri Lanka is very important, so we will need to play with focus and grab that opportunity to make an impression. "The conditions in Sri Lanka also suit us so we have a great opportunity to get a positive result," he said adding Sri Lankan team will be under pressure as they recently lost to South Africa.