Abu Dhabi: Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza’s phenomenal run of form, which has seen her win fourth WTA doubles title in a row - and eighth of the year partnering Martina Hingis, has kept husband Shoaib Malek on his toes.
The Pakistan all-rounder, who has been recalled to the Pakistan Test team after a span of five years, said that there is a “healthy competition at home.”
“It had definitely put some extra pressure on me for sure as she has done so well but it has also pushed me to work hard,” said Malek, whose consistency in the ODIs landed him a place in the Test team once again. Sania-Hingis won the China Open on Saturday beating Chan sisters in a nail-biting final. “I have been congratulating her more often,” said Malek with a shy smile. “She has been doing well despite struggling with her fitness - so it is a huge inspiration and motivation for me.”
Malek is well aware that it would be a huge ask for him to emulate his ODI form in Tests. “I will try my best to maintain the performances I have given in the T20s and ODIs but Tests are different and I’m working hard,” said the 33-year-old.
“Of course, it is challenging but I have not missed any first class matches this season and being a professional I know how to cut down the pressure. There is lot of support from the team management and I needed that since I’m making a comeback after five years,” said Malek, whose off-spin will be an extremely handy option for Pakistan.
“When I played international cricket, I started as an off-spinner but as my career progressed I was considered as an all-rounder. It was always my effort that whatever I’m involved in, be it batting, bowling or fielding, I will try my best. As an all-rounder, you get an opportunity in two things and I like to be playing as an all-rounder.”
Malek’s challenge has become all the more tough with Azhar Ali missing out with a foot infection and the former will have to bat at No 3. “Of course it would be challenging but that is the requirement of the team and you need to give your best shot and that I will be doing. Azhar has done well at number three so I will try to maintain what he has done,” said Malek, who acknowledged that this series was like a revival for his Test career that had ended five year ago and it was now or never for him.
“I’m hopeful that it will be like that. I have been in and out but this is the phase where, if I leave, that will be the end.”