Pakistan’s stand-in captain Shoaib Malik hopes his new-look side will be up for a challenge against a resurgent Australia side as they meet in the first of five one-day internationals in Sharjah on Friday. Malik hoped the new players – Shan Masood, Abid Ali, Saad Ali, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Hasnain – and recalled Umar Akmal, Yasir Shah and Mohammad Rizwan will take this opportunity. “Look, every series is a tough series so this is another tough series for us,” said Malik at the trophy unveiling ceremony. “They play the game in an aggressive style, so we have to match that aggression,” said Malik, who also led Pakistan between 2007 and 2009. “This is a good opportunity for the youngsters to not only make their name but also vie for the available World Cup spots,” said Malik.

Source: Pakistan Today March 21, 2019 16:41 UTC