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ISLAMABAD: Abrar Ahmed, the wrist bowler, who has been drafted into Pakistan’s Test squad for the first time, is eyeing a five-wicket haul on debut, including England captain Ben Stokes and expert Joe Root.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Pakistan team’s training session at the Islamabad Cricket Ground, Abrar said he was excited to be a part of the team and was hoping to make his Test debut.
“I am excited to be part of the national team ahead of the experienced spinners. This is like a dream come true. If I get the chance to make my Test debut I am looking forward to a five wicket pick including Ben Stokes and Joe Roots. Taking five wickets in the opening Test is Everything I’ve been dreaming of since I got the news is implied in the Test squad.”
Abrar added that he would do his best to bend in line and length to annoy the opposing batsmen. “I hope that if I make the most of my abilities,” he said, “I will be in a position to take five wickets”.
Thirty-year-old Muhammad Ali, who also received his first call-up to the national team, said it was nothing short of a dream come true.
“I lost hope but the call was a pleasant surprise for me. It is nothing less than a dream come true.”
Commenting on his abilities as a fast bowler, he said it was important to swing quickly.
“Pace is one thing but a pacer has to swing to succeed at international level. I take wickets at home with pace backed by swing. If given the chance, I’ll make sure to justify my choice. As a pacer you also need patience and precision to put a batsman under pressure” .
He rated Shoaib Akhtar, Daryl Stein and Shane Bond as the best bowlers.
“They were the best in the art of fast bowling. I really admire their style of fast bowling.”
Ali added that he has experience playing on all kinds of courts. “I have a lot of experience bowling on every type of pitch including dead and grassy pitches.”
Pakistani cricketers trained for nearly five hours during two different sessions at the Islamabad Cricket Ground on Friday. Captain Babar Azam had extensive netting practice with other leading batsmen who were also seen making the best of the sunny weather.
The team will continue to train at the newly upgraded facility over the next two days before moving to Bendy Stadium from Monday onwards.
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