Saud Shakeel aims to carry good batting form in ODI format after success in Tests
He recently scored double-century in Tests against Sri Lanka
It took almost 16 months for Saud Shakeel to return to Pakistan's ODI side. He will be up for selection in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, starting on August 22.
In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Saud, who recently scored a double-ton in Tests against Sri Lanka at their home, said he is looking forward to carrying his form into the ODI format.
"This is an amazing opportunity for me to make the most of my current batting form," said Saud. "I had not played Test cricket when I made my ODI debut. Test is the most difficult format and it tests you in every aspect. Obviously, ODI and T20I cricket is a bit easier than it, but playing Test cricket has helped me grow as a player. I have developed self-belief that may help me in ODIs," he added.
Saud became the only batter in the history of the game to score at least a half-century in the first seven Tests. No Pakistan batter has averaged 87.50 after his first seven Tests. And, his 208 not out at Galle – that delivered Pakistan a famous win in July – is the highest score by a Pakistani in Sri Lanka.
“When I was coming to Sri Lanka, I had a particular plan in my mind about how I was going to bat, and that included a change in approach than the one I had in the New Zealand Tests,” he said. “The game plan provided by the support staff [which revolved around positive and attacking brand] also suited my preparations. So, everything came together nicely for me.
“It did not take me much to change my approach mentally, as all I had to do was apply in the ground for what I had been preparing. If we talk about sweep, I had prepared for it against off-spinners, and I was looking forward to applying it in matches. It is very important that you apply what you have learned in the ground because as you get results, you start trusting yourself and building on it.”
It must be noted here that Saud is the only player in Pakistan's 17-men squad who is available for selection just in Afghanistan series. He is not part of the national squad for the Asia Cup.
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