Our fast bowlers can perform in every condition, says Pakistan captain Babar Azam

As Pakistan prepares for a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka next month, their all-format skipper Babar Azam has shown confidence in his fast bowlers, saying that they can do well in any conditions.

In a pre-departure press conference, Azam said, "I believe our fast bowlers can perform in every condition. I hope and look forward to their performance in Sri Lankan conditions too." 

Pakistan will play a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka two weeks from now. The first match will take place at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle from July 16-20, while the second match will be played from July 24 to 28 at Colombo’s R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.

The skipper also picked a few players who he thinks can perform well, including Yasir Khan. "Yasir has returned to our squad and his form is good. Nauman and Nawaz are the other two key options for us to dominate in Sri Lankan conditions that usually favour spinners,” he said. 

“We have prepared ourselves well to play spin. Conditions in Sri Lanka are quite similar to Pakistan. We put our batters to practice sweep shots on spinning tracks in Lahore," he added.

Azam also spoke about former pace sensation Shoaib Akhtar’s visit to the Pakistan team’s training camp, saying that the pacers got some very good tips from the Rawalpindi Express.

Speaking about his own performance, Azam said that he wants to replicate his limited-overs performances in the longest format. "I am working really hard to make my performance equal to white-ball format. Gaining top position and making Pakistan proud is such a great feeling. I will try my best to continue performing for my country," he said.

The two-match series is a part of the ICC World Test Championship 2021–2023 cycle. Originally, the Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka was going to have a three-match ODI series along with a two-match Test series but the 50-over games were called off as they were not part of the 2020–2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Super League.