Cricket: Umar eager for Test comeback

Batsman terms longest format his top priority.

ABU DHABI: Umar Akmal, who was snubbed for the Test series against Sri Lanka, is eyeing a comeback to the format and said he will make all-out efforts for the purpose.

Akmal was dropped after below-par performances in the five-day format and also failed to earn a selectors’ nod for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh despite an impressive show in the One-Day Internationals (ODI) against Sri Lanka.

The talented middle-order batsman, who also kept wickets in the final ODI, accumulated 161 runs in four innings during the series at an average of 53.7 and a healthy strike rate of 92.5. But the selection committee decided against including him in the Test squad for the Bangladesh tour.

“I’m not disappointed as the selectors know who to pick,” said Akmal. “Tests are my top priority. One can’t be a great cricketer without playing in Tests and I have to make a comeback.”

Meanwhile, Akmal, who has drawn criticism for throwing away his wicket too often, termed his unbeaten half-century in the final ODI as a huge confidence booster.

“This inning increased my confidence because I stayed till the end. I’m happy because I would’ve been under pressure in the Bangladesh series.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 25^th, 2011.