Rehman issues spin warning

Left-arm spinner sees major role for slow bowlers in Champions Trophy.

ABBOTABAD: Slow bowlers will play a major role at the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in England, said left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman, dismissing the notion that the pitches there will only suit fast-bowlers.

He was confident Pakistan’s spin attack had the depth to shock any opposition.

“Spinners will play an important role in England,” said Rehman, before the team’s practice match at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium. “Every team will have at least a couple of spin bowlers in their Champions Trophy squad. Pakistan can be a force to reckon with as we have a top-class bowler in Saeed Ajmal. I am also available plus we have other options as well.”

Rehman, who has not played for Pakistan since September 2012, said he was in full rhythm and was enjoying playing again.

“I’ve been with the team for the past few months and training under the coaching panel. There is no question about any rustiness creeping into my performance and I have a good experience of playing the country season.”

Rehman made his comeback during the recently-concluded South Africa tour after serving a three-month doping ban. However, the spinner, apart from a tour match, was not included in the playing team throughout the tour.

He said he was not concerned about uncertainty on his inclusion in the playing-eleven.

“I am doing my job and working hard in training. To play or not is a decision taken by the team management and it’s not worrying me.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 6^th, 2013.