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| October 28, 2005 | Friday | Ramzan 23, 1426 |
Loudon hopes to make impression
ISLAMABAD, Oct 27: The England cricketers had the first feel of Pakistani conditions on Thursday as they trained at the Rawalpindi Stadium for two hours.
It is here that the tourists will be playing their opening three- day game against a Pakistan Cricket Board Patron’s XI from Monday before they return for two back-to-back one-day Internationals in December.
Training among them was Warwickshire newcomer Alex Loudon, the right-arm off-break bowler who is hoping to make an impression on this tour.
Although the 25-year-old London-born spinner has yet to make his Test and One-day International debut, he is happy being on the team.
“It is great; obviously I have never been around before and am enjoying being part of the squad.”
Loudon just might find himself partnering the senior Ashley Giles, the left arm spinner who is one of five survivors from the 2000-01 tour when England won 1-0. Also in contention will be veteran Hampshire off-spinner Shaun Udal.
“Giles was around early season and everytime he has been around I have tried to ask him questions,” said Loudon of the senior player’s influence on him.
“We have talked specifically about bowling at different type of batsmen and different fields.”
Loudon feels that being a part of the team he had a chance of making the Test squad.
“I have got a chance and I am hoping to improve as much as I can and if I get an opportunity I must take it.”
England play the first Test at Multan from Novr 12 with the second scheduled to take place at Faisalabad and the third at Lahore.
The Tests will be followed by a series of five Internationals.
England’s exciting new prospect said that he had worked hard on developing his spin but he believes it would not be right to concentrate solely on it.
“I have to focus on all parts of my game and it would be silly of me to just focus on spin now just because it has helped me progress in recent years.”
Loudon admitted that the delivery that goes the other way was a part of his armoury. “It is early stages but...if I can improve that, I think it is gonna help me too.”
Was he a serious contender for a place on the squad?
“I would never say I was a serious contender; I had knowledge that being a spinner I was going to be watched as well. As the window was open, I felt that I hadn’t quite jumped through it.”
Meanwhile the visitors will have nets again on Friday at the Rawalpindi Stadium.
Younis confirmed as vice-captain
Younis Khan was confirmed on Thursday as the vice captain till the Asia Cup to be held early next year.
The decision was taken at a meeting of PCB ad hoc committee.
The PCB ad hoc committee also decided to retain the current national selection committee until paid selectors were inducted.
It also decided to have a fulltime manager till World Cup 2007 if a suitable person is found for the post.
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