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Pakistan bowling coach Ashley Noffke said preparations for the upcoming series have been going well, with players adjusting to the extreme heat and focusing on improving their overall performance.
Speaking about the fast bowlers, Noffke said the group, including Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali, has been honest about their strengths and areas needing improvement during practice sessions.
He explained that the coaching staff is working on balancing these aspects, adding that the bowlers are improving every day and that the team is “building nicely” ahead of the matches.
When asked if UAE conditions favor spinners or pacers, Noffke said pitch conditions decide the final team selection. He noted that while spin has been prioritized recently, that could change.
“Each pitch is different, and the amount of cricket played on it makes a difference,” he said, adding that selectors aim to prepare a squad suitable for all conditions.
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On Shaheen Afridi’s performance, Noffke highlighted that swing depends on environmental factors, like humidity and breeze, but praised Afridi for working hard to perfect his swing deliveries.
He noted that Afridi is especially dangerous when swinging the ball into right-handers and has been focusing on attacking the stumps during training sessions in the humid UAE conditions.
Addressing concerns about Afridi’s pace after his injury, Noffke admitted that his speed had dropped but said there have been signs of steady improvement in recent series, particularly against the West Indies.
“His pace is coming back, and, more importantly, his confidence is growing,” Noffke said, adding that Afridi is now consistently bowling in the 140 km/h range again.
