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| October 4, 2005 | Tuesday | Sha’aban 29, 1426 |
Rana Naved hopes to become regular in Test side
KARACHI, Oct 3: Pakistan all-rounder Rana Navedul Hasan is looking forward to becoming a regular member of the Pakistan Test squad after a fine season for Sussex in the recently-ended English cricket season.
The 27-year-old made a lasting impression in his first season on the county circuit with a haul of 54 wickets in nine first-class appearances for Sussex, who finished third in the Division One of the English County Championship.
“The experience of playing in probably the most professional set-up of international cricket was a learning curve for me personally,” Rana Naved said on Monday in an interview with Dawn from his hometown of Sheikhupura.
“In fact, the Sussex management have signed me for two further seasons. But availability for county would largely depend on my commitments for Pakistan over the period.”
Rana Naved not only returned the best average (19.92 per scalp) among the 23 bowlers who claimed 50 or more wickets, but also had the best strike-rate (34.7) in this group.
He also played some part in helping Sussex win the one-day National League Division Two and a promotion to top flight for 2006 season with 18 wickets in 11 matches.
“Of course, I’m satisfied with work, but I still feel that there is always room for improvement,” he remarked modestly.
“My main target in the coming months is to be considered as a Test regular instead of being confined to the one-day arena.”
Rana Naved’s haul of eight wickets in five Tests at an average of 76.62 is misleading in sharp contrast to 55 wickets (ave 24.60) in 31 One-day Internationals.
“I’m definitely anxious to improve upon my Test record. And having played on different surfaces under variable conditions in England should help in fulfilling my objective,” he hoped.
“There will be stiff competition for fast-bowling places during the coming Test series against England. I love challenges and will give my best shot if given the chance to prove.”
Rana Naved also complimented Mushtaq Ahmed, the leg-spinner bidding to reclaim his Test place after losing it two years ago after taking 80 wickets for Sussex and ending the season second behind Shane Warne’s haul of 87 wickets for Australia and Hampshire.
“Mushtaq was a great source of inspiration since we shared the same dressing-room while playing for Sussex. His words of wisdom encouraged me immensely. Together we had some great moments and shared 18 of the 20 wickets against Gloucestershire at Cheltenham.”
A handy batsman in the lower-order, Rana Naved also made useful contributions to score 346 runs at just under 29, including a career-best 139 against Middlesex at the Lord’s.
“It was an unforgettable moment to hit a century at the Lord’s since my only appearance on this historic ground was in a One-day International against Australia last year.
“That innings was made memorable because of the fact that it was just my second century at first-class level,” he recalled.
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