LAHORE: Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman will display his natural flamboyant style of batting if given a chance against Ireland and England in the national side’s upcoming tour to the British isles.

The left-hander, who announced himself as a star in Pakistan’s triumphant ICC Champions Trophy campaign in England last year, was selected for the longer format for the first time when chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq announced the side earlier this week.

The 28-year-old said his selection in the One-day International and T20 teams was based on his performances in the four-day format in which he boasts 2389 runs at the averages 41.91in 37 outings.

“I performed when I was selected for the shorter formats and I will perform again in the Tests too and will try to play my natural game,” said the southpaw from Mardan while talking to reporters at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Thursday.

“Every cricketer dreams to plays Test cricket and I’ll try not to disappoint the selectors and the coaches,” added Fakhar.

The batsman said he is ready to play on any position the team management asks him to and will make use of his experience of playing with Imam-ul-Haq (Habib Bank Limited), Azhar Ali (Pakistan at ICC Champions Trophy) and Sami Aslam (United Bank Limited) with them being the other three openers in the Pakistan squad.

He said he was satisfied with the on-going preparation in the training camp and hoped the pitches prepared for practice will help batsman do well during the tour.

Fakhar, who played for the Lahore Qalandars in the last Pakistan Super League season said the senior players were helping him with their experience of playing in the English conditions and the staff is planning well against the strong England side.In 13 ODIs, Fakhar has scored 550 runs at the average 45.83 while in 15 T20Is he has 314 runs at 22.42.

Pakistan play Ireland in a one-off Test starting on May 11 followed by two other Tests against England which kick off on May 24 and June 1 respectively.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2018