I know the value of wearing national colours: Fawad
Opportunity to play in Asia Cup a blessing, says Pakistan batsman.
Fawad Alam returned to the international circuit after a stretch of three years and proved his mettle in the Asia Cup. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
A seemingly forgotten entity until recently, Fawad Alam was finally given his due for his consistent domestic performance over three years as the national selectors recalled him for the Asia Cup.
The 28-year-old justified his selection, hitting brilliant knocks of 74 against Bangladesh and an unbeaten 114 in the final against Sri Lanka in the tournament.
In doing so, he became Pakistan’s first left-handed middle-order batsman to score a century in the 50-over format.
Fawad’s comeback in international cricket came after December 2010, where he featured in a Twenty20 game against New Zealand.
After that, although his batting performance remained consistent in domestic seasons, he remained sidelined from the national team for three years.
“Years of isolation from Pakistan team gave me the courage to fight,” Fawad told The Express Tribune in an interview, referring to his knocks in the Asia Cup.
The batsman was not the top choice for the team management and was only selected in the playing eleven after opener Sharjeel Khan sustained an injury.
“I knew that I will not get opportunities like this. After all, the chance came to me after a lot of hard work.
“I was going through very difficult times [prior to the Asia Cup]. At times, I used to feel disheartened when I was not preferred despite my hard work. However, I am fortunate to have people around who supported me in those tough times.
“I know the value of wearing the national colours and did not want to waste the chance. I made all-out efforts to lift my team but it is unfortunate that my innings could not help Pakistan win the final.”
The batsman added that head coach Moin Khan and captain Misbahul Haq were very supportive.
“Scoring like that after a long time would not have been possible without their assistance.
“Moin was a fighting player and his guidance made a lot of difference while Misbah’s advice at the crease was a huge help too.”
Misbah content with overall performance
Misbah, along with other team members, returned home from the UAE yesterday.
Speaking to reporters at the Lahore airport, the Pakistan captain expressed satisfaction over the team’s overall performance in the Asia Cup.
“Losing the final was disappointing, but I am satisfied with the performance in the tournament,” he said.
“It was a tough tournament for the fast-bowlers because there was little assistance for them. However, we are returning with a lot of positives.”
The captain appeared irked with criticism on his slow-pace batting.
“Ask critics what should be the approach when you lose three quick wickets in the start. All the world’s best teams adopt the same approach to recover from such a situation.”
The Test and One-Day International captain hoped Pakistan would do well in the upcoming World Twenty20, saying the team has the momentum ahead of the event.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 11th, 2014.
A seemingly forgotten entity until recently, Fawad Alam was finally given his due for his consistent domestic performance over three years as the national selectors recalled him for the Asia Cup.
The 28-year-old justified his selection, hitting brilliant knocks of 74 against Bangladesh and an unbeaten 114 in the final against Sri Lanka in the tournament.
In doing so, he became Pakistan’s first left-handed middle-order batsman to score a century in the 50-over format.
Fawad’s comeback in international cricket came after December 2010, where he featured in a Twenty20 game against New Zealand.
After that, although his batting performance remained consistent in domestic seasons, he remained sidelined from the national team for three years.
“Years of isolation from Pakistan team gave me the courage to fight,” Fawad told The Express Tribune in an interview, referring to his knocks in the Asia Cup.
The batsman was not the top choice for the team management and was only selected in the playing eleven after opener Sharjeel Khan sustained an injury.
“I knew that I will not get opportunities like this. After all, the chance came to me after a lot of hard work.
“I was going through very difficult times [prior to the Asia Cup]. At times, I used to feel disheartened when I was not preferred despite my hard work. However, I am fortunate to have people around who supported me in those tough times.
“I know the value of wearing the national colours and did not want to waste the chance. I made all-out efforts to lift my team but it is unfortunate that my innings could not help Pakistan win the final.”
The batsman added that head coach Moin Khan and captain Misbahul Haq were very supportive.
“Scoring like that after a long time would not have been possible without their assistance.
“Moin was a fighting player and his guidance made a lot of difference while Misbah’s advice at the crease was a huge help too.”
Misbah content with overall performance
Misbah, along with other team members, returned home from the UAE yesterday.
Speaking to reporters at the Lahore airport, the Pakistan captain expressed satisfaction over the team’s overall performance in the Asia Cup.
“Losing the final was disappointing, but I am satisfied with the performance in the tournament,” he said.
“It was a tough tournament for the fast-bowlers because there was little assistance for them. However, we are returning with a lot of positives.”
The captain appeared irked with criticism on his slow-pace batting.
“Ask critics what should be the approach when you lose three quick wickets in the start. All the world’s best teams adopt the same approach to recover from such a situation.”
The Test and One-Day International captain hoped Pakistan would do well in the upcoming World Twenty20, saying the team has the momentum ahead of the event.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 11th, 2014.