Gul gears up for national selectors’ attention
Pakistan fast-bowler back in domestic circuit after injury lay-off.
Gul has taken four wickets in three matches so far in the ongoing Faysal Bank Departmental T20 Cup. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
Pakistan’s senior bowler Umar Gul, who has made a comeback in domestic cricket after a long layoff, is keen to make a strong impression on the national selection committee by doing well in the ongoing PCB Departmental T20 Tournament.
His return after a long seven-month absence has yielded decent results as he claimed five wickets in his four outings in the President’s One-day Cup, while four wickets from three Twenty20 matches so far also make up a fair tally.
“The Departmental T20 event is important for me because I want to make a strong impression on the selectors after a long hiatus,” a confident Gul told The Express Tribune.
“Every player who is knocking on the team’s door or aiming for a comeback knows that the selectors will be monitoring their performance in this televised event closely so there couldn’t be a better opportunity for me to win back their approval.”
The 29-year-old is currently the most senior fast-bowler for Pakistan with the experience of 47 Tests, 116 One-Day Internationals and 52 Twenty20s under his belt. According to him, his main aim is to cement his place in the Pakistan fold with the ICC Twenty20 World Cup getting closer.
“We’ve got a series coming up against Sri Lanka; more importantly, the Twenty20 World Cup is around the corner. I want to win back my place in the team in time so that I’m in the right frame of mind before the mega-event.”
‘I went through testing times’
He further revealed that he had to go through tough times during his rehabilitation period as it was difficult for him to spend time away from cricket.
“Those were testing times for me as major surgeries can shake any athlete’s confidence,” said Gul. “But my family and friends stood by me which eased my recuperation. Sometimes, you find yourself wondering if you can make a fully recovery; that is where the people around you play an important role.”
Gul, who has proven himself as one of the best Twenty20 bowlers, added that the break allowed him to come back feeling rejuvenated and a stronger athlete.
“The break for international cricket also gave me a chance to spend time with my family as the last four years had been spent playing away from home. The interval has refreshed me besides giving me time to work on my fitness and technical issues.”
He also praised National Cricket Academy trainer Yasir Malik for helping him gradually run full strides again at a time when could only manage a limp.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2013.
Pakistan’s senior bowler Umar Gul, who has made a comeback in domestic cricket after a long layoff, is keen to make a strong impression on the national selection committee by doing well in the ongoing PCB Departmental T20 Tournament.
His return after a long seven-month absence has yielded decent results as he claimed five wickets in his four outings in the President’s One-day Cup, while four wickets from three Twenty20 matches so far also make up a fair tally.
“The Departmental T20 event is important for me because I want to make a strong impression on the selectors after a long hiatus,” a confident Gul told The Express Tribune.
“Every player who is knocking on the team’s door or aiming for a comeback knows that the selectors will be monitoring their performance in this televised event closely so there couldn’t be a better opportunity for me to win back their approval.”
The 29-year-old is currently the most senior fast-bowler for Pakistan with the experience of 47 Tests, 116 One-Day Internationals and 52 Twenty20s under his belt. According to him, his main aim is to cement his place in the Pakistan fold with the ICC Twenty20 World Cup getting closer.
“We’ve got a series coming up against Sri Lanka; more importantly, the Twenty20 World Cup is around the corner. I want to win back my place in the team in time so that I’m in the right frame of mind before the mega-event.”
‘I went through testing times’
He further revealed that he had to go through tough times during his rehabilitation period as it was difficult for him to spend time away from cricket.
“Those were testing times for me as major surgeries can shake any athlete’s confidence,” said Gul. “But my family and friends stood by me which eased my recuperation. Sometimes, you find yourself wondering if you can make a fully recovery; that is where the people around you play an important role.”
Gul, who has proven himself as one of the best Twenty20 bowlers, added that the break allowed him to come back feeling rejuvenated and a stronger athlete.
“The break for international cricket also gave me a chance to spend time with my family as the last four years had been spent playing away from home. The interval has refreshed me besides giving me time to work on my fitness and technical issues.”
He also praised National Cricket Academy trainer Yasir Malik for helping him gradually run full strides again at a time when could only manage a limp.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2013.