Keeping their top fast bowlers fit and fireproof will be a key objective for Pakistan ahead of next year's ICC Cricket World Cup in India, as per captain Babar Azam.
Pakistan came close to missing out on the final of next year's ICC World Test Championship after a disappointing 3-0 victory over England in the Red Ball series which ended in Karachi on Tuesday.
Babar's side performed good cricket during the home series but failed to show the required consistency and failed to cover the multitude of key players missed due to a injury.
Pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi missed the entire series, while youngster Naseem Shah and white ball specialist Haris Rauf were absent from the last two Tests after playing the series opener in Rawalpindi.
Injuries saw Pakistan bleed six debutants against England and Babar admitted it was difficult to face such an inexperienced line-up against England.
They were unfortunate that their fast bowlers weren’t fit, as per Babar. It’s become difficult for them especially when England play the way they do and did not give opportunity to Pakistan to settle.
Back to back cricket are coming their way and fitness it the most important to be perfectly fit for the match.
Pakistan host New Zealand for a two-match Test series which begins later this month and could still squeeze into the World Test Championship final with wins in those competitions and other results.
But it's likely that the next big step for Pakistan to showcase their talented squad of players will be in India next year when the 50-over Cricket World Cup will occur in October and November.
Pakistan will host New Zealand and the West Indies for the white ball series early in the new year and will also take part in the 2023 Asia Cup before heading to India for the 50-over showcase later in the year.
With plenty of white-ball cricket coming for Pakistan over the next 12 months, Babar said it will be important to keep his powerful group of fast bowlers fresh.
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