Umar Gul blames poor domestic cricket participation for Pakistan cricketing woes

Team Pakistan recently suffered an embarrassing defeat in the home Test series against New Zealand. They lost the series 1-2 and their recent form in the longest format of the game has been far from being impressive. The pundits and critics have come hard on the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side. Recently, veteran pace bowler Umar Gul tried to decipher the reasons why the team has been struggling in red ball cricket.

Umar Gul remarked that the team is doing very well when it comes to limited overs cricket. This can be affirmed from the fact that they won the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. However, performances in the Test arena has been poor due to poor participation of the players in the domestic circuit, reckons Gul.

“I think we are performing well in limited overs cricket. But the main reason behind Pakistan’s poor performance in Test cricket which I think is lack of domestic cricket played by our national cricketers,” The Express Tribune quoted Umar Gul, as saying.

“Whenever our players get rest, they don’t come and play first-class cricket. I suggest to the PCB that if our team is playing in the UAE, they should send other cricketers -who are not part of the playing XI-back to Pakistan to play domestic cricket,” he added further.

On his comeback

Umar Gul has been out of the national side in Tests for quite some time now. However, the 34-year old is still optimistic of making a comeback to the side. He cited that the team needs an experienced bowler in the longest format of the game, and he sees himself as an ideal fit for the same. Also, he asserted that he is feeling great about his own fitness levels and is confident of doing well at the highest stage of the game.

“I think I can make a comeback in Pakistan Test team. Being an experienced campaigner, I think there is still space for me in the side. I have worked hard this season. I worked on my fitness and I have played every single match this season. I am satisfied with my level of fitness now. My rhythm is great and I’m bowling with good pace. Although I prefer Test cricket but I’m currently focusing on my return in any format of the game. I am just waiting for my last chance,” mentioned the veteran pacer.

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