Riaz keen to turn back the clock with Pakistan
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.
Latest
-
NewsPaul Collingwood backs Ollie Pope to lead England fightback at Lord’s
South Africa’s charge was halted by the rain.
-
NewsOllie Pope’s bid to lead England recovery against South Africa halted by rain
Pope was unbeaten on 61 in England’s 116 for six when rain brought an early end to the day’s play.
-
NewsRain stops play as Ollie Pope bids to lead England recovery against South Africa
The 24-year-old brought up his half-century just before lunch and was unbeaten on 61 when the rain set in.
-
NewsSir Andrew Strauss hopes review will make English game ‘cleaner and more simple’
Strauss was asked earlier this year by the ECB to begin a review of English cricket.
-
NewsOllie Pope helps England recover from rocky start as South Africa strike early
The 24-year-old brought up his half-century just before lunch after England had slipped to 55 for four.
-
NewsJemimah Rodrigues: Women’s Indian Premier League can build on the Hundred’s work
The inaugural season was seen as a resounding success for its acceleration of the women’s game
-
The HundredDeandra Dottin’s an all-round success as Manchester Originals beat Welsh Fire
The former West Indies star excelled with bat and ball at Old Trafford.
-
NewsBen Stokes insists England will adopt front-foot approach in all circumstances
England begin their Test series with South Africa at Lord’s on Wednesday aiming to keep playing bold cricket.
-
NewsDean Elgar warns South Africa are ‘not here to play soft-natured cricket’
The Proteas skipper also insisted nothing should be read into their heavy defeat to England Lions last week.
-
IrelandIreland all-rounder Kevin O’Brien retires from international cricket aged 38
The 38-year-old’s century secured a famous World Cup victory over England in 2011.