Allrounder Mohammad Hafeez has said he was satisfied with his recent ODI performances in Australia – although “it wasn’t outstanding” – because he felt under pressure on two fronts: he was making a comeback to the team and it was his first series with a remodelled action, ESPNcricinfo reported.
Hafeez wasn’t selected in the original ODI squad for the Australia tour but was called up a few days later because Azhar Ali got injured. He scored a match winning half-century in Melbourne to lead Pakistan to their only win on the tour, but finished with 123 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 72.
In the PSL that followed, Hafeez made only 153 runs at a strike rate of 99 in nine innings – 77 came in one game – during Peshawar Zalmi’s run to the title. However, he was retained in the ODI squad and recalled to the T20I side for the upcoming tour of the Caribbean.
“My performance in Australia wasn’t outstanding, but I felt it was okay,” Hafeez said in Lahore, when asked if he had expected to be retained. “I was under pressure for two reasons – one because it was my comeback as a player, and secondly because it was my first series back as a bowler. Though I couldn’t get wickets, I felt I bowled according to the situation and my economy was quite good, which helped the team.
“In the PSL, my role wasn’t defined properly and my position in the batting order changed, but that is not an excuse. I did struggle and my performances weren’t strong enough. But when selectors opt for a player, they look at the conditions and requirements in the team. I am happy they have given me the responsibility and trusted me.
“If you look at my numbers, I think I deserve to be in the Pakistan team. In the last two years, I think I have played 28 to 29 matches and averaged 38 in ODIs. I have always believed that a few matches, or one or two series, don’t justify your talent. Good and bad days do come but when you are a proven player, you surely get more chances.”