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Younis Khan hasn’t given up on World Cup hopes for Pakistan

Younis Khan hasn’t given up on World Cup hopes for Pakistan

After showing his mettle with two centuries in the Dubai Test against Australia, Pakistan batsman Younis Khan has shifted his focus on the proving a point in limited overs cricket.

The veteran batsman has been sidelined by the selectors from Pa­kistan’s one-day side and there are fears he might not be on the flight to the Word Cup next year but Younis is keen to play at the showpiece event Down Under.

“I just feel that the selectors should not take into consideration age, position or colour while select­ing teams. No matter what age a batsman is, if he is in form and has match fitness he should be selected to play in ODIs,” Younis told Geo Super channel.

“The idea should be to play those who are in form. Age should not be a bar. If any player can serve Pakistan cricket in the World Cup he should be considered for selection. It is about playing the right combina­tion for a match or event,” he said.

Younis, who became the top Test century maker for Pakistan with his 26th ton, says he still has a lot to offer despite being 36.

“Playing for Pakistan has been the biggest high for me and I have not given up hope of playing in the World Cup. I will just try to carry on my form in the second Test against Australia and then we have three Tests against New Zealand. I will give it my best shot – the rest is up to the selectors,” he said.

Meanwhile, Australia’s coach Darren Lehmann yesterday re­fused to blame the Dubai pitch and instead admitted his team didn’t play well in the first Test.

“We didn’t adapt well enough and didn’t play well enough,” said Lehmann. “This was a very good cricket wicket.” It was Australia’s fifth consecutive defeat in Asia in the last two years after being routed 4-0 in India early last year.

Lehmann said the Dubai pitch wasn’t like the ones his team encountered on the subcontinent.

“When you are talking about learning how to play in these con­ditions we got beaten on the other side – with less spin. You would think it would spin more. We got beaten with straight balls, I think five or six dismissals throughout the game. We have to get better at hitting the straight ball, watch­ing the ball for a start, but they are things the guys will work on.”


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