The expectations during the ICC World Cup 2019 is of run feast but the Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali says he is not bothered about the flat pitches that will suit the strong batting sides.
The 24-year-old was Pakistan’s top performer in their Champions Trophy triumph two years back, taking 13 wickets to finish as man of the tournament.
But his recent form has been a concern followed up with 10 straight ODI losses leading into their World Cup opener against West Indies.
Hasan said taking wickets in modern cricket was the way forward.
“The way modern cricket is going, every bowler needs to know that taking wickets is the key,” Hasan said. “You take wickets and you win matches.”
Renowned for squeezing the flow of runs and taking wickets in the middle overs, Hasan found himself at the top of the bowler’s rankings in 2017, taking 45 wickets — the most in a calendar year.
But he has taken just three wickets in four matches against England in a 4-0 series loss earlier.
“I know that I have not taken many wickets since the South Africa tour, but I am doing the hard work with bowling coach (Azhar Mahmood) and once I get my rhythm I am sure wickets will come my way,” said Hasan.
“We know that our bowling, which has been our strength, is not doing well but with the return of two experienced bowlers in Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir our bowling is now at full strength,” he added.
Amir had to miss the most of the ODIs against England due to chickenpox but was inducted in Pakistan’s World Cup squad alongside Wahab Riaz.