Mickey Arthur: “We looked at the opposition and the conditions and in Hasnain, we’ve got an X-factor player”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has admitted that pace bowler Mohammad Hasnain can be an X-factor during the World Cup.

Hasnain stole the spotlight at the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he claimed 12 wickets in seven games for the Quetta Gladiators at an average of 17.58.

He was subsequently called up to the Pakistan squad for the ODI series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates.

Hasnain made his international debut during the series and finished with two wickets in three games at an average of 78.

With Pakistan starting their World Cup campaign against the West Indies in Nottingham on May 31, Arthur is backing the 19-year-old to have a big impact with the ball during the tournament.

“As a selection panel, we looked at the opposition and the conditions and in Hasnain, we’ve got an X-factor player,” he was quoted as saying by PakPassion. “We understand he’s inexperienced but sometimes in inexperience and youth comes a lot of attitude, we’re hoping he gives us that.

“Against at least four of the nine teams, he comes into the the equation, against Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and West Indies.”

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