'Changed man' Umar Akmal vows to not disappoint if given another chance

'I am learning from my mistakes and working hard to improve my batting,' one-third of the Akmal siblings said.

By Web Desk
September 01, 2019

Out-of-favour batsman Umar Akmal has said that he is a changed man and vowed that he would not disappoint if given another chance to represent Pakistan.

"The fans will now find me a changed man," Akmal is quoted as saying by Roznama Express. "I am learning from my mistakes and working hard to improve my batting. I am doing more than an hour of net practice daily.

"I am available for all three formats of Tests, ODIs and T20Is. I assure everyone that I will not disappoint if given an opportunity to represent the country again." 

He had a public falling out with former head coach Mickey Arthur but not that the South African is not in charge anymore, Akmal is hopeful he will be back in the national fold.

"I did not get to represent Pakistan a lot despite brilliant performances but hopefully there will be an improvement in the situation under the new management," the perennially 'talented youngster' said.

'Skills over fielding' 

Akmal, who has been embroiled in fitness issues all his career, believes a a player's skills should be put ahead of his fitness.

"I am not denying the importance of methods that gauge fitness but, to me, skills should be given first preference," he said. 

He also backed camp commandant Misbahul Haq to get the head coaching job.

"I have played a lot of cricket with Misbahul Haq. If he is appointed the head coach then the standard of the team's performance will rise. The batsmen will also get the opportunity to learn from him," Akmal said. 


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