Tanvir dropped from Cup squad

Left-armer replaced after failing to prove full fitness to management.

KARACHI:

Injuries took their toll on Pakistan as left-arm fast-bowler Sohail Tanvir was ruled out of the World Cup after being declared ‘not 100 per cent fit’ by the country’s cricket board.

He was replaced by 21-year-old Junaid Khan who has taken 167 wickets from 35 first-class matches and represented Pakistan ‘A’.

Tanvir, who made a comeback to the national side on the New Zealand tour after being sidelined for over two years due to a chronic knee injury, failed to convince the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) medical team.

Tanvir protests decision

Meanwhile, Tanvir stressed he was completely fit for the tournament starting from February 19.

“I was shocked when I found out about my omission,” said Tanvir. “I played a major part in the ODI series against New Zealand without showing any signs of injury.”

However, it has been reliably learnt that the decision was taken after team management felt the bowler needed more time to regain full fitness with the PCB deciding against taking a risk in the World Cup.

Junaid aims to fill Amir’s vacuum

The fast-bowler from District Swabi, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, however, was delighted on his sudden inclusion.

“It’s like a dream come true to start your international career with the World Cup,” said Junaid. “I am looking to fill the vacuum created by [Mohammad] Amir’s absence.”

England call up Tremlett

Chris Tremlett has been called to England’s squad as a travelling reserve following a spate of injuries in the bowling attack.

Tremlett has recently recovered from a side strain and is in line to deputise for any of the teammates who also suffered injuries during the seven-match ODI series in Australia, which England lost 6-1.

Meanwhile, England captain Andrew Strauss has predicted an upturn in his side’s fortunes at the World Cup when he expects to finally have his first-choice attack at his disposal.

“Our bowling attack has been the basis of a lot of our ODI victories,” said Strauss. “We have had a settled bowling unit who know their roles really well and have bowled very well in tandem together. I believe our bowling attack is a match for anyone in the world.”

Sri Lanka wary of minnows

Ace Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan said his team should not lower their guard against smaller teams in their quest to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

Sri Lanka are in Group A with Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Canada and Kenya, with the top four sides qualifying for the quarter-finals.

“Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, we know these teams, who the players are, and their form. But we don’t know about Kenya, Canada and Zimbabwe and they can cause a surprise,” said Murali. “We can’t call these teams minnows anymore, because they have surprised stronger teams in the past.”

Sri Lanka spinner Muralitharan

“Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, we know these teams, who the players are, and their form. But Kenya, Canada and Zimbabwe can cause a surprise.”

England captain Strauss

“We have had a settled bowling unit who really know their roles really well and have bowled very well in tandem together. There is no doubt we missed that in Australia.”

With additional reporting by AFP

Published in The Express Tribune, February 10th, 2011.