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
-
NewsEngland fan who waited in Sri Lanka for 10 months excited for cricket to begin
Rob Lewis, who has been in Sri Lanka since March, does not know how he will watch the game, but has been offered a Zoom call with Joe Root.
-
NewsDimuth Karunaratne: We have learned from past errors against England
Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne has challenged his side not to make the same mistakes that saw them slump to a 3-0 series loss.
-
NewsI’ve known Dan Lawrence was destined for greatness since he was 16 – Nick Browne
Lawrence was tipped for the top even before his maiden first-class century in 2015.
-
NewsDom Bess could really make mark on Sri Lanka tour, says England captain Joe Root
England captain Joe Root has tipped Dom Bess to use spinning conditions in Galle to prove he can be a leading man in Test cricket.
-
NewsOn this day in 2009 – Matthew Hayden calls time on international career
The Australia opener scored 8,625 runs in 103 Tests with 30 centuries.
-
NewsJustin Langer backs Tim Paine and Steve Smith after criticism
Head coach Justin Langer has come to the defence of Tim Paine and Steve Smith after the pair were criticised for their actions.
-
NewsJoe Root ready to have a ball in Sri Lanka
Joe Root’s runs and captaincy are likely to be crucial to England’s Test prospects in Sri Lanka, but he stands ready to do his part.
-
NewsSteve Smith debate has been “blown up” says England all-rounder Chris Woakes
The former Australia captain was filmed scratching at the batting crease while fielding against India.
-
NewsMoeen Ali coronavirus quarantine extended after mild symptoms
The England all-rounder is now unlikely to feature in England’s Test series in Sri Lanka.
-
NewsAustralia go on the defensive over Steve Smith scuffing saga
Australia have closed ranks around Steve Smith, who is upset over being painted as a villain following the drawn third Test against India.