Upbeat Nasir keen to prove himself in Test cricket

Published August 18, 2013
Nasir Jamshed has so far played 36 ODIs. -File photo by AP
Nasir Jamshed has so far played 36 ODIs. -File photo by AP

LAHORE: While Pakistan opener Nasir Jamshed vowed on Saturday he will make a strong comeback as Test batsman too, rookie fast bowler Anwar Ali expressed his determination to take full advantage of the opportunity given to him by selectors by proving himself as all-rounder in the upcoming series against Zimbabwe.

“Test cricket is an important format and essential for every big player and I am also disappointed over dropping from the Test side, but I will try my best to regain place in the five-day format too by giving good performance in ODIs and T20s,” the 23-year-old Nasir told reporters prior to the start of the last day of the national training camp for the Zimbabwe tour here on Saturday.

The Pakistan team is leaving for Zimbabwe on Sunday to play two Tests, three ODIs and two Twenty20 matches.

Nasir, who has played 36 ODIs since making the ODI debut in January 2008 against Zimbabwe at Karachi, scoring 1259 runs at a healthy average of 38.15, was given a chance in the last Test series against South Africa earlier this year. However, the left-handed batsman could not click in two matches scoring just 51 runs in four innings with the highest score of 46.

Consequently, the selectors dropped him from the Zimbabwe-bound Test squad to give a chance to right-handed opener Khurram Manzoor after three-and-a-half years in wilderness.

“If I am given another chance in Test cricket, you will find me as more mature player. I have realised my mistakes I committed in the Test matches [in South Africa] and I have learnt the lessons,” Nasir, who has smashed three centuries and eight half-centuries in ODIs, stated.

The opener said the Pakistan squad was going to Zimbabwe with a spirit to win, adding he aimed at making useful contribution in winning matches for his team in Zimbabwe.

To a question about his low fitness level which affected his career in the past, the burly batsman said he was fit enough to play and added the injuries were also part of the game.

“In other teams you will also find that all players are not equally fit.”

To a query, he said though the playing conditions in Zimbabwe would not be much difficult the Pakistan team would have to combine well to earn maximum success.

Meanwhile, Anwar, 25, who has been recalled to the national side after five years, said though there was a tough competition in Pakistan bowling department he would try his level best to capitalise on the opportunity with his all-round skills to earn permanent place in the team.

Anwar, who is yet to represent Pakistan in ODIs or Tests, has so far played just one Twenty20 International, and too against Zimbabwe back in Canada in October 2008.

“This time I have come back in the team with improved batting skills too to play my role in the team as an effective all-rounder,” Anwar, who boasts 275 wickets in 75 first-class matches at 27.04 average, said.

If given a chance on the Zimbabwe tour, Anwar said he would not disappoint captain, coach and the nation with his performance.

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