Saim Ayub, a breakthrough youth, has vowed to remain fearless should he earn his first Test debut for Pakistan during their tour of Australia next month.
Pakistan will embark on a three-match series in Australia as part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship. Ayub, who was named to an 18-man squad earlier this month, is in contention for selection.
Although Ayub has not yet made his Test debut, the twenty-one-year-old has already represented Pakistan in eight Twenty20 Internationals this year and has further distinguished himself at the domestic level in the recently concluded Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with a substantial total of runs scored for Karachi Whites.
Ayub’s subsequent objective is to replicate his impressive form in Pakistan on the international stage. The self-assured left-handed batsman is adamant that, should he be selected for Australia, he will not alter his aggressive approach.
“The approach should stay fearless but sometimes you have to play according to the conditions, you’ve to give respect to the bowlers when they are dominating,” Ayub said.
“The momentum keeps shifting during the match, sometimes it’s with the bowlers and other times it’s with the batters and you have to adjust accordingly.
“Having a fearless approach doesn’t mean that you always have to hit the ball hard. Some sessions have to be played with a run-rate of three, some with that of five.
“As far as expectations are concerned, I am looking forward to the opportunity of playing for Pakistan and win matches for the team.”
Ayub is expected to play alongside regular openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq to handle the new ball, and former captain Babar Azam and new captain Shan Masood are expected to complete a formidable top four for Pakistan.
However, Ayub will have opportunities to shine, as Pakistan is slated to face an Australian Prime Minister’s XI in a four-day match beginning on December 6 and concluding on December 14, prior to the first Test in Perth.
Ayub is enthusiastic about the challenge, despite the fact that Pakistan have not triumphed in a Test match in Australia for nearly two decades. His team is striving to maintain an undefeated record in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
“I think it will be fun playing cricket there (in Australia),” Ayub said.
“You’ve to push yourself out of your comfort zone and when there are challenges, there is growth as well and that excites me as a player.
“Players decide for themselves if they want to look at conditions as easy or difficult. What’s more important is the clarity of thought and being fearless with your approach.”
Pakistan Test squad: Shan Masood (c), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Agha Salman, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi.
