Imam-ul-Haq: “To score against South Africa, you have to be at your very best, mentally strong and prepare well”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Imam-ul-Haq feels that he and the rest of the Pakistan batsmen can succeed against South Africa in the third Test in Johannesburg if they are “mentally strong”, “prepare well” and play to the best of their ability.

Imam, who opens the batting for Pakistan, struggled in the first two Tests as he has scored 71 runs, which includes a fifty, at an average of 17.75.

Imam admitted that Pakistan’s batting line-up have failed to cope with South Africa’s pace attack, but believes that if they follow his advice, they could fare a lot better in Johannesburg.

“South Africa have a world-class attack. Always bowling in good areas and also bowling short and mixing it up,” he said. “To score against South Africa, you have to be at your very best, mentally strong and prepare well. The wickets are so difficult here. It is very difficult to start on but when you do get start it is easier.

“Before coming here I knew it was not going to be easy but it is all about the hard work you do in the net sessions.”

Even though Pakistan have already lost the series as they trail 2-0 going into the third Test, which begins on January 11, Imam insisted that his side won’t be demotivated as they are determined to secure a consolation win.

“We lost the series, we know that but the last match is very important for us because we have to make a statement as we have been working very hard for the last two months,” the 23-year-old said. “We have learned a lot. We have had a practice match, good net sessions and some guys have had some good innings in the two Test matches.

“We are still working hard on it and hopefully we will do better in the last Test.”