Pakistan's flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi [Images] said he is keen to take on his old role of opening the innings in the one-day international series against South Africa.

Afridi has been sent into bat lower down the order for the last few months and opened only once against Bangladesh in the Twenty20 World Cup last month, when he made 39 from 15 deliveries.

"I have told my captain and coach that I am willing to open the innings if the team wants it. But if they feel the team requirement is I bat lower down the order I have no problems with that as well," he said.

Afridi said he is keen to open again because of the problem Pakistan is facing at this position for sometime now.

"I feel comfortable batting as an opener because it gives me the freedom of playing with the field restrictions," he said.

Afridi said he is looking forward to the Indian tour and would be available for both the Tests and one-dayers.

The all-rounder had skipped the Tests against South Africa saying he wanted to take a break from the game to attend to some personal and family commitments.

"The break was necessary but now I am feeling good and the Indian tour would be a big challenge for me and the team."

Afridi now is the senior most player in the side after the retirement of Inzamam-ul-Haq [Images] as he made his debut in 1996-97 ahead of Mohammad Yousuf [Images] and Shoaib Akhtar [Images].

"Being a senior player is good and I like the responsibility. It has improved and helped me as a bowler as well," he stated.