Can’t rule Mohammad Hafeez out of England series, says Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur

For Mohammad Hafeez, it has been a story of a great comeback. The veteran cricketer had almost faded into oblivion but a decent form and fitness saw him eventually making Pakistan’s squad for the ICC World Cup. The 38-year-old recently passed the Yo-Yo test and has been picked for the squad that will play England in two limited-overs series in May.

Hafeez, who did not have much of backing from national coach Mickey Arthur, however, commands more weight now. On Thursday, Arthur said Hafeez has more than fulfilled the expectations and should not be ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against England. Pakistan will play the Three Lions in five ODIs between May 8 and 19.

The two teams will also lock horns in a one-off T20I on May 5. This series will be Pakistan’s final opportunity to get their acts right before the World Cup and especially after the 5-0 thumping they received from Australia in their last series.

Hafeez ahead of where we want him

“He [Hafeez] has bowled and he has fielded. Hafeez is ahead of where we want him and that’s great news. He has been doing a lot of work so don’t rule out Hafeez in the one-day series,” Arthur was quoted as saying by Geo TV. Hafeez sustained an injury during the Pakistan Super League played earlier this year but then did well to pass the fitness test to be picked for the World Cup squad.

Hafeez has scored over 11,000 runs and taken over 240 wickets in international cricket. He is also the senior-most player in the Pakistan squad for the WC.

The South African-born coach also praised Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming England series as well as the World Cup, saying practising in English conditions is invaluable for the squad.

Pakistan will be playing their first match in the World Cup against Windies on May 31 in Nottingham. The last time these two teams had met in the mega event was in Christchurch in 2015 and the Caribbeans won on that occasion by a mammoth 150 runs.

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