Hasan Ali reveals Pakistan’s new game plan to tackle Usman Khawaja’s threat in Australia series

As the Pakistan cricket team has geared up for a demanding tour of Australia commencing on December 14, Hasan Ali, the seasoned cricketer, has shed light on the impending challenges and unveiled a new tactical approach to counter the threat posed by Usman Khawaja.

Pakistan’s challenging tour to Australia

Under the fresh leadership of Shan Masood, Pakistan are confronted with the formidable task of securing victory on Australian soil, aiming to etch their name in cricketing history by becoming the first Pakistan side to win a Test series in Australia. Despite the historic opportunity, the visitors anticipate challenges in facing the Australian batting lineup, particularly the in-form Khawaja, who showcased remarkable touch throughout the year.

Hasan Ali unveils tactical approach against Usman Khawaja

During Pakistan’s previous tour to Australia in 2019, Khawaja demonstrated his prowess by amassing 229 runs in two games, boasting an excellent average of 76. Now Hasan has candidly shared insights into a strategic shift for the national cricket team, emphasizing caution in discussing on-field plans in Urdu due to Khawaja’s understanding of the language. In a recent interview, Hasan has revealed concerns about the Islamabad-born cricketer allegedly sharing game strategies of the Men in Green with the Australian team during a match in Karachi.

“Usman bhai is familiar with Urdu, but after he leaked our strategies to the Australia cricket team in Karachi, we’ve become more cautious. We’ll ensure not to discuss plans in Urdu in front of him to keep our strategies confidential. We’ll move a bit farther away from him to strategize for the game,” Hasan was quoted as saying by The Nation.

Also READ: Ian Chappell issues warning to Pakistan ahead of Test series in Australia

Adapting to Australian conditions

As the team has prepared for the challenges ahead, Hasan also highlighted the toughness of Australian conditions, specifically the bouncy tracks that offer extra bounce. Adapting to these conditions has become paramount for the Pakistan squad, and Hasan’s revelations provided a glimpse into the team’s strategy and preparedness to navigate the intricacies of Australian pitches.

“It’s not just Pakistan; all South Asian teams find it challenging to take 20 wickets on Australian tours. The pitches in Australia differ from those in other cricketing nations, and the local players’ familiarity with their conditions often poses problems for visiting squads,” the 29-year-old concluded.

Also READ: PCB announces 15-member Pakistan squad for the Under-19 Asia Cup 2023; Saad Baig to lead

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December 02, 2023 at 08:00AM