Being selected for the 2019 World Cup my main priority: Wahab Riaz

Wahab Riaz, once regarded as a sensation in the Pakistani bowling line-up hasn’t played international cricket for a while now. The left-arm pacer last featured for the national side way back in 2017. His poor bowling when part of the team was severely criticised by experts and even Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur lambasted Wahab for his work ethic and fitness.

However, the 33-year-old hasn’t given up on his World Cup 2019 prospects, he still believes that there is enough time for him to prove his abilities and make a way back into the squad before the tournament. His recent performances for Derbyshire in the T20 Blast played in England may inspire the confidence of the selectors as the World Cup is also scheduled to take place in England and Wales.

Being selected for the World Cup my main priority 

The current Pakistani pace bowling lineup looks ferocious with the likes of Mohammad Amir, Hassan Ali, Fahim Ashraf and Usman Khan delivering the goods on a consistent basis. However, Riaz is confident of breaking into the mix again. He conceded that while it would be difficult, he was ready to face the challenge. He remarked that performing well was his priority keeping in mind the mega event next year.

“It’s never easy to try and find a permanent place in a strong team like Pakistan which is doing so well at the moment. This is especially true when you are talking about Pakistan’s very effective bowling line-up. I made my debut for Pakistan when our bowling was very strong and I believe I can do it again. At the moment, being selected for the 2019 World Cup for Pakistan and performing well is my main, and only, priority.” he was quoted as saying by PakPassion.

Mickey felt I could do better and I agree

Mickey Arthur had earlier slammed Wahab for his poor fitness. The Pakistani coach had even stated that the pacer had failed to win a match for them in more than a year. A hard task maker Arthur suggested him to work and improve on specific areas and he has vowed to focus on fitness and get back in the right shape.

“It is no secret that Mickey has been very firm about having a high-level fitness target for all the boys and I sat down with him before coming to England. We had a long chat about my fitness and training regime and Mickey provided his feedback on areas I can improve on. Mickey felt that I could do better, and I agree with his opinion because as a fast-bowler, especially in Test cricket, you cannot survive if you are not 100% fit,” he stated.

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