'Confident of performing in second debut': Fawad Alam after being recalled to Pakistan Test side after 10 years

Fawad Alam is one among the several Pakistani openers who made promising starts in cricketing career but struggled to touch the pinnacle of success. It has been over a decade since he played the last of his three Test matches and around 5 years since he played any international cricket.

In a bid to make it to the national team, he has always chipped in with notable performances in the domestic cricket, especially in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier first-class competition.

Despite being so good in piling up more runs than any other player in the tourney with 3105 runs at an average of 56.45, his career has been near-miss experiences. He was called up to a training session before Pakistan’s tour of England in 2018.

He was also listed in a couple of squads but unfortunately, he didn’t get to open the batting for Pakistan. However, things did take a U-turn in his career, after he scored a sensational double century in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

The 34-year-old cricketer who isn’t done with the gentleman’s game still believes that there is a lot of fighting spirit left in him to deliver as a batsman and as a fielder. “I said the other day it will almost feel like a debut, and that’s true because it’s been such a long time since I last played. Whether I get a game or not depends on the management and selection committee. I’m just happy I was able to make it in the final 15.”

Where they feel I can deliver, they’ll give me a chance and I’m confident I’ll perform. The way the conditions and wickets shape up will determine whether I get a chance or not, obviously,” Fawad told reporters in Karachi according to ESPNCricinfo.

Fawad Alam aims to prove his mettle

Fawad said that he is confident of playing again for Pakistan, as he sees it as a second debut in his career. The Sri Lanka Test series in Pakistan not only brings the regular international cricket back to the nation but also gives the senior man Fawad Alam a chance to don the whites after over a decade. He is extremely thrilled and hopes to get a chance to showcase his mettle.

“I should try and enjoy the opportunity I’ve been given right now and think positively. If I allow negative thoughts to cloud my mind my focus will be adversely affected. My aim is to make the most of this opportunity, and try to perform to the best level I can.”

Fawad is also happy that Test cricket is returning to Pakistan.”It’s a very good thing to see Test cricket back in Pakistan after such a long time. It’s a good omen for Pakistan cricket, and for the entire country. We all need to make the event successful. I think the message is everyone should come here,” said Alam.

The people have supported all the teams that came previously and had a good time. The fact that Test cricket is returning after such a long time means all true cricket lovers will want to get down to the stadium and support their team as well as Test cricket,” he added.

Alam will hope to get his fourth Test cap against the visitors on December 11.

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