Towering Pakistan quick ‘ready for India’
For Irfan, the India series represents an opportunity to establish himself as an international bowler. -Photo by AFP
Towering Pakistani paceman Mohammad Irfan says he is ready for international cricket and for his side’s ultimate challenge against India after being named in the touring party for the series that starts on December 25.
The 6ft 10in Irfan, who made a lacklustre debut for Pakistan in an ODI against England in 2010 after being plucked from obscurity, has had a good run on the domestic circuit recently and believes he is prepared for a fresh start to his international career.
“I was put under tremendous pressure in that game as I was flown in and then asked to play at short notice. I was suffering from jetlag and had fitness issues, and of course I was also nervous. All these issues affected my performance but all that is in the past. I have worked very hard and if given the chance, I will be ready for the big occasion,” Irfan told pakpassion.net.
Backed by head coach Dav Whatmore and bowling coach Mohammad Akram, Irfan picked up 11 wickets at an average of 13.9 and an economy rate of 5.88 in the recently concluded National T20 Cup and also performed consistently in the four-day President’s Trophy.
The left-armer, who hails from the town of Gaggu Mandi which produced another lethal quick Mohammad Zahid, claims he has beefed up physically and equipped for the upcoming challenges.
“Physical fitness was also an issue in my last international game and hopefully that will not be a problem if I am chosen to play, as I have been following a fitness plan assigned to me by the coaches. I don’t feel any tension or pressure as this time around, I feel much better prepared and I am joining the team on the back of some good performances. Dav Whatmore came to see my games in Islamabad during the President’s Trophy and spoke to me there. He provided me with a lot of confidence for which I am really thankful. I have spoken to Mohammed Akram on many occasions. They have been very happy with my bowling and also given advice to me on my physical fitness and bowling.”
Irfan said despite many suggestions from former players, he had not changed anything about his bowling,
“I am grateful to my coach and mentor Nadeem Iqbal for his constant encouragement. He has always been convinced that I will make a comeback to the international side but for that to happen I needed to persevere and work on the same techniques that had got me this far – there was no need for any significant changes,” Irfan, who was picked only for the T20 squad for the India series, said.
For Irfan, this series represents an opportunity to establish himself as an international bowler, a fact that he readily acknowledges.
“This is a big opportunity for me and I hope I can contribute and become a regular member of the team. I have got hold of some videos of Indian batsmen, so I can start planning against them but the real work will come when I join the preparatory camp which starts round the 14th Dec.”
Good luck.
Pakistan needs super quick FAST bowlers and if he can SWING the ball, then it will be amazing. I hope he proves himself BUT T20 is not a proper platform to test fast bowlers. Either Test or 50 over limited overs format seems a better gauge.
The way Indian team is playing these days….Pakistan has to play really bad cricket to get beaten by India…
Well ! Knowing Pakistan’s inconsistent performance, anything can happen……hope to see a good series …..good luck….
Anwer Ali should be given an outing as well. I remember his Wasim-like banana yorkers in the U-19 final against India.
All the best. Hopefully we will see a genuine quicky again from Pakistan.
Yup, cricket misses them in International areana
I hope they return from India without scandals and International Cricket Board asking for dropping some players permanently just like orchestrated termination of Mohammed Amir.
I have seen him in action previously and was not impressed one bit by his bowling action and speed. He got no variety or swing in his bowling and speed is miles away from him. The only thing he got is height and what good is that if you have no speed and swing. I am surprised that he is in the team again. Our selection committe have a bad habit of picking tried and tested players again and again. The same goes for Imran Farhat. God knows better why that man is in the team again..
Its not complicated Imran ! its very simple, Imran Farhat is a Bigggggg ” Pirchee”. You know what I mean!
Imran Farhat koo sharam anee chaay he should himself quit he is not doing any justice with the country enough is enough!!! We still need Razzaq and Boom Boom in ODI , I think current players will not be able to take pressure!!
Good luck son. I’m sure you’ll do great.
good luck …go guy go….
saw a bit of irfan in the recently concluded domestic T-20 series, thought he was pretty sharp, operating in the 85-90MPH range with good lines and swing. He could make it really big.
Wish you luck and fittness….
Well Lets See……
We will check the reality, with the big bird, when time comes.