Fast-bowler Junaid Khan is confident of bouncing back to form in the Caribbean where he made his international debut in 2011. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
Spearheading Pakistan’s pace attack at the ICC Champions Trophy, Junaid Khan’s failure to make an impact has given him the drive to live up to expectations in the Caribbean.
The fast-bowler, who led the attack in the absence of an injured Umar Gul, failed to inspire the team, taking just a solitary wicket after conceding 102 runs from three matches in the event as Pakistan remained winless.
In the wake of this performance, the 23-year old now faces the challenge of showing his form against the West Indies, starting July 14, in which the teams contest five One-Day Internationals and a couple of Twenty20s.
However, Junaid said he was confident of bouncing back in the Caribbean where he made his international debut in 2011.
“It was not my best performance at the Champions Trophy,” said Junaid in an interview with The Express Tribune. “I tried my level best but couldn’t do much.
“But this happens. You have your good days and bad days. But I’m hopeful of doing well against the West Indies. In fact, I am desperate to make a major contribution after the Champions Trophy failure.”
‘No fear of Gayle and company’
West Indies are currently showing good form, leading the ongoing Tri-nation Series with a top-order that has done well on home soil.
Johnson Charles and the swashbuckling Chris Gayle are among the top run-getters in the tournament, while hard-hitting batsmen such as Marlon Samuels and Darren Bravo also pose a threat to Pakistan’s bowling attack.
But the paceman said he was not worried about the opponents’ form.
“Most of their batsmen love to hit the ball hard,” said Junaid. “They go for quick runs and try to hit nearly every ball which makes them vulnerable. I believe I have the ability to curb them. I rather fear batsmen who look to stay at the crease. Such batsmen are comparatively difficult for me to handle. I made my international debut against the West Indies so I am not feeling the pressure —instead I’m feeling confident.”
Meanwhile, Junaid felt fast-bowlers would play a big role during the series.
“The conditions there are expected to support spinners. Keeping this in mind, the fast-bowlers will get the advantage of the reverse swing which can create quite an impact.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 9th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (4)
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He is a highly over rated bowler.It was the arrogance of Indian batsmen in Chennai that made him look like a 'Next big thing'.Whenever he came to bat in every tour, he thought he is Afridi & tried to slog instead of staying.Not that batting is his prime job but he tries to slog arrogantly every time he comes to bat,& in one match of CT, i remember he was juggling around the crease like a joker in trying to hit a six & his movement was quite funny.This is a proof that something is seriously wrong with him & he is still an amateur child. I predict,in the long run he will become another Umargul. Lots of promises,one odd good performance & then a long run of poor show.
I found it very strange to see some of the Pakistani cricketers wearing big gold chains around their necks. I had not realized that they could be so vain, but then, I had also not realized that they can talk so much. It seems the only thing they are really good at is giving odd interviews to reporters and claiming they are capable of just about everything - off the field -- of course. May be Junaid and Company need to prove, on a consistent basis, that actions speak louder then words instead of - oh, I am now a better (and the best), bowler -- I have learnt from Wasim Bhai -- Did somebody forget to tell them that learning is an on-going process? I feel real sorry for Junaid -- he has the talent and he wants to prove he is as good as Amir, but he is just not good enough - as yet.
Junaid,s performance was clearly subpar.Pakistan players talk too much they should let the bat and the ball speak. Umar Akmal instead of exuding confidence with the gloves, appears to be making excuses. The team needs psych. Help
ET you are concentrating on the wrong person. It was not bowling which failed us, it was batting.