Thrilled at ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity

Paceman Asad Ali relishing ongoing camp under Wasim Akram.

KARACHI:

SNGPL paceman Asad Ali said it was a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to be able to learn the art of fast-bowling from the legendary Wasim Akram as the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) 10-day bowling camp continued at the National Stadium, Karachi.

The 24-year-old, who has played 78 first-class matches and 51 one-day games, was the man of the match as SNGPL clinched the recently-held President’s Cup after beating Wapda. His four for 37 in the final took his tally of scalps in the tournament to 14 and he ended as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament.  Asad was also declared the best bowler at the Faysal Bank Super-Eight T20 Cup for Faisalabad.

Rewarded for his performance by inclusion in the 30-man preliminary squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, Asad is now hoping to make the final cut and is keen on benefitting from the ongoing camp.

“I want to learn as much as I can from Wasim during this 10-day camp,” Ali told reporters. “Who knows when we’ll get such an opportunity again so my purpose is to get maximum tips from the legend. I feel very lucky to be working with him as we get to learn something new every day.”

The bowler added that Wasim advised minor changes in his action and told him to use the crease for maximum effect.

Meanwhile, all the bowlers underwent a fielding session from more than an hour before taking part in a video analysis session with Wasim.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28^th, 2013.