Pakistan vs England 2022

Abdullah Shafique opens up about his mentality, favourite football coach, and more ahead of the Test series vs England

Abdullah Shafique will look to continue his dream start to his Test career in this upcoming series.

Nov 30, 2022 6:59 pm

Abdullah Shafique for Pakistan (Image Source: Twitter)

Abdullah Shafique for Pakistan (Image Source: Twitter)

The three-match home Test series for Pakistan against England will start on 1 December 2022. After a long gap of 17 years, England have arrived in Pakistan for the Test series. So, fans are eagerly waiting to see their home team in action against Ben Stoke’s side. However, Abdullah Shafique will be a player to watch out for in this series for the Men in Green.

In his small Test career so far, Shafique has played seven matches where he scored 736 runs, at an average of 66.90. He also managed to hit four fifties and two hundred in his career. Now, ahead of the series against England, Abdullah Shafique opened up about his mentality and many more.

“My nature is I have to fight until the end” – Abdullah Shafique ahead of England series

While talking to BBC Sport, Abdullah Shafique said that his favourite football coach is Jurgen Klopp. He said: “I like the coach, Jurgen Klopp. It is his mentality about coaching and his attitude towards the game.” He also added his mentality while playing for Pakistan.

“My nature is I have to fight until the end. If I am batting or fielding, I have to stay there and fight. That is my thing. From that T20 innings, I was in the limelight. Everyone got to know a lot about me. No-one notices you if you can’t perform in the big events. The challenge was getting harder after that innings because the expectations went higher and I had to meet them.” Shafique added.

He also gave credit to skipper Babar Azam and former coach Misbah-ul-Haq for his development. Abdullah Shafique said: “They are very good human beings, very good guys,” says Shafique. “They are true hard workers. They don’t waste their time in the nets – they are very focused. They are very punctual. I have learnt good things from them. They have given me much knowledge. How to play late, under your eyes. How to be patient. They taught me good shape, good balance.” About the upcoming series, he said: “It’s a special thing because we have seen them on the TV. It’s an opportunity for me to do well so everyone can see my performances. It’s exciting to face bowlers like James Anderson, Mark Wood and Ben Stokes. They are challenging opponents.”