ISLAMABAD – Pakistan faces the biggest challenge during the England tourwith absence of set batsman like Misbah ul Huq and Younis Khan.

Pakistan had been following a set batting line-up in the past five yearswith Younus and Misbah forming the core of the middle-order, while AsadShafiq played on the number six position, but with the retirement of theduo, right-handed batsman feels he would be shifted upwards to assist themiddle-order.

“The way Misbah and Younus carried the team in the last five to six yearsis exemplary,” said Shafiq while addressing media in Lahore. “They haveserved Pakistan a lot and we will feel their absence. But we senior players— me, Azhar and Sarfraz — now need to take responsibility.”

He continued: “I’ve played most of my Test cricket at number six. Most ofthe times I don’t get to play in the second innings. Also, after I come inand settle, I have to bat with the tail-enders and the team gets out.Chances of scoring big are comparatively higher on the first four battingpositions.”

He then expressed hope that he will be batting at number four since Azharwill be asked to open in England.

“There is a strong possibility that I will play up in the batting order inEngland this time. This is for the management and the captain to decide,however. But my main goal is only to improve day by day and not a certainnumber of runs.”

When asked if he feels he has done enough for Pakistan since he hasn’tsingle-handedly led them to victory in the near past, Shafiq said: “Icontribute as much as possible. In Tests, everyone has to contribute andmostly no single players can inspire a victory in this format. Whenever Iplay, I try to give my best for Pakistan. And I plan to help Pakistan inthe future with my performance and not serve any personal goals.”