Sami Aslam: “My Test batting average should have been much better than what it is now”

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Pakistan opener Sami Aslam has admitted that he is “not satisfied” with his Test career thus far and admits that “there is room for improvement”.

Aslam has represented his country in 13 Tests and scored 758 runs, which includes seven half-centuries, at an average of 31.58.

Despite a solid start in the longest format, the 22-year-old is unimpressed with his accomplishments thus far.

“To be honest, my Test batting average should have been much better than what it is now,” he recently told PakPassion. “However, in my defence, I would say that I’ve had to play on some very tough international tours of England, New Zealand and Australia, so it wasn’t that easy for me.

“Regardless of the difficulties I have faced, I am not satisfied with my Test performances so far and there is room for improvement.”

Aslam is also “disappointed” with the fact that he has not been able to convert any of his seven fifties into triple figure scores.

“I do not think that there is any issue with me not able to handle pressure in international cricket,” he said. “Against England in the 3rd Test in 2016, I was unfortunately run out on 82 when I feel I was playing really well at that point.

“In the match against the West Indies in the Day/Night Dubai Test in 2016, I was out for 90 after playing a poor shot and then on the tour of New Zealand I lost my wicket for 91, but then I was trying to play aggressively as we were making a bid to win the 2nd Test in Hamilton.

“So, I do not think there is any question of a mental block as far as my approach is concerned. I have a great track record in Under 19s and at the List-A level with an excellent conversion rate and I am quite used to playing under pressure.

“I suppose poor shot selection and some bad luck is to blame for my inability to score a Test hundred which is something I am also very disappointed about.”

In the two-Test series against Sri Lanka last year, Aslam failed to impress as he averaged 23.25 with the bat. Despite this, the Lahore native is hoping he has done enough to secure his place in the Test side when Pakistan tour England in May.

“If I look back at my Test career, I can see that I did really well against England in 2016 then had excellent series versus West Indies and New Zealand that year,” he said. “Unfortunately, I failed to perform in the subsequent series against Australia and was not considered for the 2017 tour of West Indies.

“On my return to the Test side recently against Sri Lanka, I had some good starts to my innings and played well. I am really hopeful that I have done enough to ensure selection during the upcoming England series this summer.”