Pakistan star Abdullah Shafique is channeling the mentality of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp as he targets Test glory against England.
Shafique, 22, has made a flying start to his fledgling Test career - averaging just shy of 67 with two hundreds and four fifties in seven matches. And the young opener is excited to lead the hosts' charge in the first Test series England will play in Pakistan in 17 years.
The impressive Shafique has already become known as a tenacious, resilient figure at the top of the order in his first year in Test cricket after making his debut last November. He places tremendous value on his time at the crease and could become a key threat to England's pursuit of the 20 wickets required to win on flat pitches in Pakistan.
And Shafique has helped seize his elite mentality from his admiration for Liverpool's Klopp, who has become known for creating 'mentality monsters' within his squad during his successful coaching era at Anfield.
"I like the coach, Jurgen Klopp," Shafique told BBC Sport. "It is his mentality about coaching and his attitude towards the game." He added: "My nature is I have to fight until the end. If I am batting or fielding, I have to stay there and fight. That is my thing."
England's three-Test series against Pakistan is historic as it is the first time they will play in the nation since 2005, after tours were stopped following a gun attack on the Sri Lankan side in 2009. However, fans could be made to wait even longer to watch the series get underway with a decision set to be made to determine whether the match will go ahead as planned on Thursday morning.
Both teams have been in talks to delay the Test in Rawalpindi by a day because around half of the travelling England party have been struck by a viral infection.
A joint statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board and England and Wales Cricket Board read: "The two boards made the decision based on medical advice from the England doctors, which revolved around the players' health and welfare, agreeing that the England cricket team are able to select an XI."
Regardless of whether there is indeed a delay, Shafique is thrilled by the prospect of going to battle against England's star Test bowling line-up. "It's a special thing because we have seen them on the TV," he said. "It's an opportunity for me to do well so everyone can see my performances. It's exciting to face bowlers like James Anderson, Mark Wood and Ben Stokes. They are challenging opponents."
