Shahid Nazir aims high

Published June 10, 2006

LAHORE, June 9: Pakistan pace bowler Shahid Nazir vowed on Friday not to disappoint after he was recalled for next month's England tour following an injury to leading quick Shoaib Akhtar.

The 28-year-old from Faisalabad was included in Pakistan's 16-man squad for the four Tests and five one-day matches in England after an ankle injury ruled Shoaib out for six weeks.

“It really surprised me when I got a call from Pakistan Cricket Board for my passport, I couldn't believe my ears,” Shahid said.

Shahid, who was not even in the preliminary 21-man squad for the tour, was brought in on captain Inzamam-ul Haq's recommendations.

Shahid hoped his four years of experience in English conditions would help him on the tour.

“I know English conditions well having played Northeastern League and was also part of Pakistan's 1996 team to England. I will do my best to trouble the England batsmen and help Pakistan win.

“I have seen a lot of England batsmen Marcus Trescothick, Andrew Strauss, Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen on television and will do my best to ruffle them,” said Shahidr.

Shahid has played only eight Tests since his first against Zimbabwe 10 years ago.

His last outings at international level were tours of India and the West Indies last year as a member of the one-day squad, but he was not required to play in any of the eight matches.

The last time he donned the green Pakistan cap was against Sri Lanka in the 1999-2000 season, but his 49 wickets for Faisalabad and Habib Bank in the last domestic season helped pave the way for a recall.—AFP

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