Mohammad Irfan likely to make Test debut

Pakistan’s lanky fast bowler Mohammad Irfan, who is probably the tallest bowler playing International cricket at the moment, looks completely ready to make his Test debut in the second encounter against South Africa.

Irfan, who did a great job in India, was ignored for the first game, when Rahat Ali got the opportunity. The left-armer failed to make an impression, and the tourists are likely to make a few changes to the line-up.

Irfan is highly likely to replace Rahat in the second game. The tall pacer did well in the practice game, and trouble the local side with his pacey bouncers. He picked up seven wickets only for 40 runs. The team management is hoping for a similar act in
the second Test.

"He is really improving, his fitness is improving and his second and third spells are getting better. He is also able to pitch the ball in the right areas more often and is generating good pace, even when pitching the ball up," captain Misbah said of Irfan.

The Green Shirts were helpless in front of South Africa’s pace attack in the first game. The entire side collapsed on 49 in the first innings. Although the Cornered Tigers did relatively better with the bat in the second innings, the effort was not enough
by any means.

Now, the side is 1-0 down in the series. And the visitors are hoping someone to do something special. Irfan, who can be very dangerous on South African wickets, is Pakistan’s big hope.

Talking about his team’s chances to bounce back, Misbah stated: "Whenever you come to these conditions, you need to be mentally ready. It’s always a challenge, but we must forget what happened in the first Test."

"We are improving, in terms of batting and in terms of attitude. I am really confident that these guys can fight back. Whenever we’ve had tough times, we have been able to come out of it."

The second encounter is due to get started on February 14^th. The touring side is also facing a few fitness issues, as Nasir Jamshed is doubtful for the second game.

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Posted by Rana Nasir Ghafoor on Feb 13 2013. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry