Riaz keen to turn back the clock with Pakistan

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Fast bowler Wahab Riaz has expressed a deep desire to get back into Pakistan’s first-choice ODI team.

Riaz hasn’t played the intermediate format of the international game since June 2017, but wants a berth in the squad for next year’s World Cup in the United Kingdom.

“It’s never easy to try and find a permanent place in a strong team like Pakistan which is doing so well at the moment,” Riaz told PakPassion.

“This is especially true when you are talking about Pakistan’s very effective bowling line-up.

“But I know that I made my debut for Pakistan when our bowling was very strong and I believe I can do it again.

“At the moment, being selected for the 2019 World Cup for Pakistan and performing well is my main, and only, priority.”

Head coach Mickey Arthur arguably questioned the 33-year-old Riaz’s work ethic earlier this year.

“He has not won us a game in two years,” Arthur told ESPNcricinfo at the time.

Riaz added: “I’m not sure if he was actually questioning my work ethic as in my opinion. He was merely providing feedback on areas of my game that he feels I can improve on.

“It is no secret that Mickey has been very firm about having a high-level fitness target for all the boys. We had a long chat about my fitness and training regime and Mickey provided his feedback on areas I can improve on.”

The left-arm seamer is currently playing for the Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League – and was part of Derbyshire’s Vitality Blast campaign earlier this month.

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