I'd pick Tests over ODIs if given the choice: Umar Akmal
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Umar Akmal was last seen in whites for Pakistan in September 2011.
Since then, it has been a long journey and finally after three years of waiting, and some notable performances in ODIs, Akmal has been called back in the Test squad for upcoming series against Sri Lanka.
Akmal, in an interview with PakPassion.net said, "I won’t let the selection committee down, they’ve put their trust in me and I will repay them."
Akmal, who has often been blamed for throwing away good starts even in the shorter formats of the game, slowly found himself out of favour with the selectors after employing a similar approach in the five-day game. His solitary ton and six fifties perhaps do not do justice to the initial promise he displayed on the international stage but the 24-year-old says he is a more "mature" cricketer and that the "scoreboard" will be the "judge" now.
Akmal claimed that he would no longer fall victim to his temperament and the help provided by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in that regard would bear fruit.
In an unexpected turn of events, Akmal, who was known for his aggressive temperament on field, now looks forward to Test cricket.
"If I had been given a chance to decide between ODIs or Test, I would choose the latter," he says.
Akmal emphasised that Test cricket brings out a true potential of a batsman.
"In the last domestic season I batted for long periods for SNGPL and showed that I have the temperament and the levels of concentration to play long innings."
Commenting on Kamran Akmal failing to get a central contract, he said, "It’s PCB's decision as to who they pick for central contracts," adding that, "I’ve spoken with Kamran and tried to boost his confidence and told him to perform well so that he can't be overlooked."
Akmal was pleased with the return of Waqar Younis as coach as a coach but says that once the batsman is makes his way out to the pitch, then it's up to the player to perform.
"I’m not one of those cricketers who will hide behind the coach when I’ve not performed. I take full responsibility for my performances and God willing everyone will see better performances from me in the future." .
