Razzaq, Afridi gear up with Australia stint

Pakistan all-rounders Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq expressed hope Monday that their Twenty20 stint in Australia would stand them in good stead to beat England next month.

Thirty-one-year-old Razzaq missed Pakistan's one-day series against Bangladesh due to a shoulder injury sustained against Sri Lanka last month, but said he is fit again and hopes to play a part against England.

"My injury was not serious and I am now fully fit," Razzaq told AFP before his departure. "I am very keen to play against England and do my part in the team's win over England."

Pakistan play England in three Tests, four one-day and three Twenty20 internationals in the United Arab Emirates in January.

Both Razzaq and Afridi will play for Melbourne Star in the Big Bash Twenty20 league in Australia starting from December 16.

Razzaq said England will be tough to beat.

"They (England) are the number one team in Tests so it will be tough to beat them, but our team is doing well and is on a roll under Misbah-ul Haq as captain so we will try our best to beat them," said Razzaq.

Razzaq said he has cricket left in him.

"I can still play my part for the team in both Tests and one-day, so if I am given the opportunity then I will do my best," said Razzaq, who has so far played 46 Tests, 265 one-day and 26 Twenty20 for Pakistan.

Afridi, who performed well in the team's 4-1 one-day win over Sri Lanka and 3-0 sweep against Bangladesh, said England pose a real threat.

"It will be a fantastic series against England," said Afridi. "I don't play Tests anymore but having watched England's progress towards world number one I am sure they will be a real test for Pakistan team."

"As for one-day cricket, we have a better team than England," said Afridi, who has so far played 333 one-day and 45 Twenty20 internationals.