UAE series: 'Fawad can come in handy against England'

Former chief selector Qasim presses for left-hander’s inclusion.

LAHORE: Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief selector Iqbal Qasim has tipped Fawad Alam to come in handy in the upcoming series against England, given the all-rounder’s impressive show in the ongoing Quaid-i-Azam Trophy.

Alam, the second highest run-scorer in the tournament, made his last international appearance in a Twenty20 against New Zealand last year and has been overlooked since. Qasim, however, pointed out the importance of having a left-handed batsman in the middle-order and said the 26-year-old could be useful against England.

“I think Alam is playing well and is a good cricketer,” Qasim told The Express Tribune. “He can come in handy as a middle-order batsman and his fielding is up to the mark as well. The team management should consider his performance.”

Qasim added that Alam needed to be considered as a batsman and should be included for the longer format as well after a century on Test debut in 2009.

“The management should take him as a middle-order batsman rather than an all rounder. He’s a good enough batsman and fulfils all the requirements, so it will be a good decision to take him with the team.”

Fawad hopeful of comeback

Meanwhile, the left-hander, who has represented Pakistan in 27 One-Day Internationals, 24 Twenty20s and three Tests and is currently playing for NBP in the Quaid Trophy, remained hopeful of donning the national colours again and hoped that the selectors would give him another chance.

“My job is to perform and that’s what I’m doing,” said Alam, who has scored 840 runs in the season so far. “I’m hopeful that my recent performance will remind the selectors of my potential. I won the best batsman’s award in the Pentangular Cup and I’m focused on the four-day version of the game.

“Now its up to the selection committee to decide on my inclusion in the team.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 15^th, 2011.