FAISALABAD, Oct 25: Pakistan’s new left-handed opening pair Taufiq Umar and Imran Farhat — who have produced three successive century stands against South Africa — believe they can resolve Pakistan’s long standing problem.

“Yeah we feel that we are now confident and capable enough of resolving this opening problem and being around for a while,” Taufiq, who has scored two hundreds and three fifties in four Tests against South Africa, said.

His partner Imran, who scored his maiden hundred on Saturday, said he and his partner wanted to emulate the feats of former openers Aamer Sohail and Saeed Anwar.

“They were the best opening pair to play for Pakistan and we are inspired to emulate them. We can make this slot our own,” he said.

Pakistan have struggled to find a reliable opening pair since the retirement of Aamir Sohail and Taufiq has had eight different partners in 17 Tests.

Imran who was recalled to the team for the Tests against South Africa after one year on the sidelines said playing against Australia had helped him.

“Last year when I played against them in Sharjah against Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne, I realised to survive in international cricket I needed to change my attitude and adjust my technique accordingly,” Imran said.

“After that series I became more serious about my batting and have cut out the risky shots. I try to concentrate harder now and keep a value on my wicket. I did that today,” the 21-year old added.—Reuters