Irfan aiming to make big impact at World Cup

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Irfan is hoping to make a big impact at the World Cup early next year, provided he can stay fit and free of his hip injury until that time, by not playing Test cricket.

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Irfan is hoping to make a big impact at the World Cup early next year, provided he can stay fit and free of his hip injury until that time, by not playing Test cricket.

Irfan is still recovering from hip surgery, after picking up a hairline fracture in November last year. While he is back in training, he is unlikely to play international cricket until October, against Australia and New Zealand in the UAE.

The seven-foot paceman spoke from the training camp in Lahore: "I know I have to manage my workload and playing Tests is an added pressure, hence I have decided to play T20s and ODIs only.

"I will have to ensure that I don't get dropped. I don't know what the selectors have decided for me for this year, but I am focusing on the 2015 World Cup.

"I am disappointed at missing a lot of cricket but I am working hard on my fitness and ensuring this time that I can go a long way without breaking down."

Irfan was not modest when asked if the pitches Down Under in February would suit him, saying that his height would make him tough to face on the springy tracks, and he could win matches all by himself.

He said: "It's a big event for every player. In Australia, the pitches are very bouncy and are suitable for me and I can do well. If I can sustain 100% fitness, I will be able to win matches single-handedly."

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