Squad to undergo stiff fitness test

Fast-bowlers to be closely monitored, says chief selector.

KARACHI: Pakistan selection committee will keep a close eye on left-arm fast-bowler Wahab Riaz when it assesses players’ fitness today at the training camp underway at the Gadaffi Stadium.

The committee, headed by former Test cricketer Mohsin Khan, will review the fitness levels of the players to ensure only fit players are sent to New Zealand – with the squad having already been announced – as well as the preliminary squad for the World Cup.

“We want to clear our minds about the fitness of players before we sit down to discuss the important squads,” Khan told The Express Tribune. “We would first select the One-Day International (ODI) squad for the New Zealand series before naming the preliminary squad for World Cup.”

Khan added that the selection committee would meet on December 14 and 15 to finalise the ODI squad for the two assignments.

“We want to take hundred per cent fit players to New Zealand because the climate there does not favour a player carrying even a minor injury. Our main focus during the fitness test would be on fast-bowlers, especially the ones we have doubts about.”

Khan picked on the struggling Riaz, who returned home midway through the UAE series. The fast-bowler suffered a side strain but has been included in the Twenty20 and Test squads, fitness permitting.

Junaid may replace Riaz

Left-arm pacer Junaid Khan may replace Riaz if the latter fails to impress during fitness test. According to an official, the selectors are mulling over the inclusion of the 21-year old player to replace Riaz.

Junaid in his 35 first-class matches has a impressive record that includes 167 wickets at an average of just over 21.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2010.