Junaid to replace Irfan for Australia ODIs
27-year-old replaces Mohammad Irfan, who is returning to Pakistan following death of his mother
PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
Left-arm pacer Junaid Khan has been included in the ODI squad as a replacement for Mohammad Irfan, who left Australia after his mother passed away early on Monday.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official informed The Express Tribune that Junaid, who last played for the Men in Green in the 50-over format in May 2015, will leave for Australia on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old has already represented Pakistan in 52 ODIs, 22 Tests and nine T20Is, where he collectively picked more than 150 wickets.
While talking to The Express Tribune, the Matra-born pacer expressed grief over Irfan’s loss, but also feels that this chance came due to his hard work.
“We are all sad on the death of Irfan’s mother,” said Junaid. “But this is a chance for me to prove myself and my fitness in Australia.
“This is a great moment for me and right now I am having the same feeling like I was selected for the first time. Getting back in the national team after such a long gap is a big achievement and I believe Allah has given a payback for my hard work.
“My performances have been constant and that’s why I got the chance against to prove myself for the national side.”
Speaking about the contest against Australia, Junaid said his target is to support the team and continue performing well.
“I will try to perform well in Australia,” he said. “Australian pitches are bit different but I am confident that I can put match winning performance there.
“It’s a team sport and I am sure I will get support from the captain and the fellow bowlers. I believe in putting my best and the rest is my fate.”
Left-arm pacer Junaid Khan has been included in the ODI squad as a replacement for Mohammad Irfan, who left Australia after his mother passed away early on Monday.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official informed The Express Tribune that Junaid, who last played for the Men in Green in the 50-over format in May 2015, will leave for Australia on Tuesday.
Pakistan pacer Mohammad Irfan's mother passes away
The 27-year-old has already represented Pakistan in 52 ODIs, 22 Tests and nine T20Is, where he collectively picked more than 150 wickets.
While talking to The Express Tribune, the Matra-born pacer expressed grief over Irfan’s loss, but also feels that this chance came due to his hard work.
“We are all sad on the death of Irfan’s mother,” said Junaid. “But this is a chance for me to prove myself and my fitness in Australia.
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“This is a great moment for me and right now I am having the same feeling like I was selected for the first time. Getting back in the national team after such a long gap is a big achievement and I believe Allah has given a payback for my hard work.
“My performances have been constant and that’s why I got the chance against to prove myself for the national side.”
Speaking about the contest against Australia, Junaid said his target is to support the team and continue performing well.
“I will try to perform well in Australia,” he said. “Australian pitches are bit different but I am confident that I can put match winning performance there.
“It’s a team sport and I am sure I will get support from the captain and the fellow bowlers. I believe in putting my best and the rest is my fate.”