Pak pacer Tanvir’s replacement Junaid says his “call-up for World Cup is warranted”
By ANIThursday, February 10, 2011
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan pace bowler Junaid Khan, who has replaced his ‘unfit’ colleague Sohail Tanvir in the national squad for the forthcoming World Cup, has said he feels that his selection in the team is “warranted”.
“I’ve been working so hard over the last couple of seasons and I feel that I have consistently improved as a bowler. I’ve also been working hard on my batting and I feel that my call-up for the World Cup is warranted as I have done consistently well at all levels for Pakistan. My family and I are praying that the World Cup goes well for myself and Pakistan and that we come home with the Trophy in our hands,” PakPassion.net quoted Junaid, as saying.
The 21-year-old, who has never played international cricket so far, got this huge opportunity after Tanvir was ruled out of the mega event owing to his slow recovery from last year’s knee surgery.
“I’m really excited at the thought of playing for my country in the World Cup” stated Junaid, adding, “I obviously feel sorry for Sohail (Tanvir) and would have liked to have been called up into the squad in better circumstances, as it’s not good news for Sohail.”
The left-arm bowler, who impressed selectors by amassing 167 wickets in just 35 first-class matches, has widely been praised for his temperament and calmness under pressure, and he feels that he will not be overawed by the occasion if given an opportunity in the World Cup.
“I’ll treat it as just another game of cricket. I’ve represented my country at junior levels and Pakistan “A”, so I know what the responsibility of playing for your country is like. I don’t think I’ll have any nerves and I’m confident I can handle the situation.”
Khan will be travelling to Lahore on Thursday (today) ahead of the pre World Cup get together, as Pakistan prepare for their two warm up matches in Bangladesh against England and the hosts. (ANI)
