Shafiq excited for Boxing Day Test

Asad Shafiq is excited about the chance to play in the Boxing Day Test as Pakistan look to level their series against Australia.

Pakistan batsman Asad Shafiq said his team were excited about getting a chance to play in the Boxing Day Test against Australia.

Trailing 1-0 in the three-Test series, the tourists head to the MCG for the clash – arguably the biggest in Australian cricket – starting Monday.

Shafiq said Pakistan knew just how big a game it was, as they look to carry their strong finish from Brisbane into the second Test.

"We know the importance of the game. It`s a big Test match, Boxing Day Test match, we all grew up watching this match in Pakistan," he said on Saturday.

"We know the value of this Test. We are hopeful, we are positive, especially after the first Test.

"The whole team gelled together well and we are playing positive and good cricket."

Despite a second-innings 137 from Shafiq, Pakistan fell to a 39-run loss at the Gabba.

Shafiq`s century saw him break the great Garfield Sobers` record for most Test tons batting at number six.

While he is happy playing his role for the team, Shafiq said his preference was to bat higher up the order.

"At the moment, I always say whatever the management and captain [Misbah-ul-Haq] ask me to do, I`m happy to bat in any position," he said.

"But as a personal thing, I always like to bat up the order."

Source: sportal.co.nz