Shinwari says he has a ‘burning desire’ to play all forms of cricket
Says he would not go down the route taken by Amir, Riaz of picking ODIs, T20Is over Tests.
The fad these days in Pakistan cricket is for pacers to quit or take ‘indefinite breaks’ from Tests in order to focus on shorter formats, but fast bowler Usman Shinwari is an exception, Dawn reported on Friday.
In the wake of Mohammad Amir’s retirement and Wahab Riaz’s sabbatical, Shinwari, 25, has suddenly emerged as one of the leading options, and he says he is up for the challenge in all three formats.
When asked if he agrees with the duo’s decision, Shinwari refused to comment but made it clear that he himself wants to play all forms of cricket.
“It would be better to ask this question to Amir and Wahab for not playing the longer version matches but as far as I’m concerned there is a burning desire to play for Pakistan all three formats,” he is quoted as saying.
Shinwari was overlooked for the World Cup 2019 squad despite delivering some eye-catching performances in the past few years, including a player of the match-earning five-for in just his second ODI and four-fors against the likes of South Africa and Australia.
Despite his aggression and ability to take wickets in bunches, he was snubbed in favour of more experienced options — something he admits he was disappointed over.
Shinwari also expressed his excitement at working with bowling coach Waqar Younis and his former captain Misbahul Haq, who is now the team’s head coach.
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