Would Prefer Australia's Full Strength Squad To Visit Pakistan, Says Hasan Ali

Pakistan pace bowler Hasan Ali expects a full-strength Australian team to visit Pakistan for their one month tour, starting in March.

Australia is scheduled to play three Tests, three ODIs and a solitary T20I match in Pakistan in the March-April window this year.

The Australian team’s visit will end their 24 years absence from playing in Pakistan as the last the five-time World Cup winners toured the Asian nation was back in 1998.

Star Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is likely to miss the Pakistan tour as he might plan to have his wedding with his fiancee Vini Raman in that same period.

Recently, left-arm pace bowler Mitchell Starc said he was unsure about his availability for the Pakistan tour.

Looking forward to playing against Australia: Hasan Ali

Hasan Ali wishes to face a formidable Australian side in order to test his own team’s potential on home soil. The 27-year-old pacer is also happy about cricket’s return to his country.

“I’d prefer their [Australia’s] full-strength side to visit so that we also can gauge our strengths and weaknesses in our home conditions. So far, I think, the full team is coming, but we can’t say much about it right now,” Hasan told Dawn.

“It always makes me happy whenever cricket comes back to Pakistan and PCB is making commendable efforts for it. If this keeps up then hopefully Pakistan will play full-fledged cricket at home and I am looking forward to playing against Australia,” he added.

I’ve liked Test cricket since day one: Hasan Ali

Hasan Ali, who picked 41 wickets from eight Test matches at an average of 16.07, was named as the Test Cricketer of the Year in PCB Awards 2021.

Hasan is currently ranked 10th in the ICC Test Bowling Rankings and the Pakistan pacer feels the red-ball format makes him a better player.

“I’ve liked Test cricket since day one and I don’t feel good when someone labels me as a T20 or one-day player only. I’ve been performing in all three formats. But it’s an honour for me to be named as the Test Cricketer of the Year,” Hasan asserted.

“I play the format with a lot of happiness and my performance speaks for itself. It’s only the longer format that can make you a proper player. It tests your patience, temperament and fitness,” he added.

Hasan had an unforgettable game against Australia in the T20 World Cup semi-final clash. He conceded 44 runs from four overs without picking any wickets.

Hasan also dropped the crucial catch of Matthew Wade before the batter smashed Shaheen Afridi for three sixes to finish the game in the penultimate over.

Also Read: Bangladesh vs Pakistan 2021: Hasan Ali Reprimanded For Breaching ICC Code Of Conduct