'Axed' Hafeez prepared to bat down the order in Test cricket

Islamabad, Oct 28 (ANI): Pakistani batsman Mohammad Hafeez has said that he would definitely be prepared to bat down the order in Test cricket if needed, just as he had moved down the order to number three in the shorter formats. In an interview with Pakpassion.net, Hafeez, however, pointed out that Azhar Ali was an excellent batsman and ideal for the number three spot in Test cricket. Despite his troubles in the five day format, Hafeez has continued to perform well in the shorter formats with both bat and ball and is currently ranked at number 1 in the ICC ODI all rounders rankings and at number 2 in the ICC T20I all rounder rankings, the report said. Since returning to Test cricket in 2010, Hafeez had forged a solid and reliable opening partnership with Taufeeq Umar, the report added. However, after struggling in Tests in 2013, he was dropped for the series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates, according to the report. (ANI)