Pakistan look to Irfan for change in fortunes

Lanky pacer called in place of injured Hafeez to bolster struggling bowling attack

KARACHI: Visitors Pakistan go into the third ODI against England today at Nottingham knowing that a defeat will see England claim the series 3-0.

But they can count on lanky fast-bowler Mohammad Irfan, who returns to the international fold in place of the injured Mohammad Hafeez and will provide under-pressure skipper Azhar Ali with a much-needed attacking option.

For his part, Irfan has said he is confident after finishing his training camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.



“I am joining the team in good shape and I hope that I’ll be able to deliver wickets,” Irfan told The Express Tribune. “I’ve been working hard on my fitness and feel that my rhythm is back. The idea is to get early wickets which will put pressure on England as they are heavily dependent on their top order.”

Pakistan did get two early wickets in the second ODI but still ended up on the losing side as Joe Root and skipper Eoin Morgan took the game away from them with half-centuries.



Irfan added that even when he was out of the side, the selectors were constantly in touch with him.

“The selectors were in touch regarding my form and fitness,” he said. “They told me that I was in their plans and that kept me motivated. It’s good when you know that you remain on the radar of the selection committee and I’ll try to help Pakistan in the next three matches.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 30^th, 2016.

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