Pakistan fast bowler Junaid Khan expressed jubilation on his selection in the Pakistan’s One Day International (ODI) team for the Australia series, calling it a chance for him to prove himself in the field.
“This is a great moment for me… Although we are sad for the demise of [Mohammad] Irfan’s mother, it is a chance for me to prove myself and my fitness in Australia,” Khan told DawnNews.
“I am experiencing the same feelings right now as I did when I was selected for the first time.”
Khan was called for the ODI series against Australia as a replacement for Mohammad Irfan, who is returning home following the death of his mother, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials said on Monday.
The fast bowler has not only played domestic cricket but has also played in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he emerged as one of the top three best-performing bowlers. On Sunday, he took four wickets in a domestic one-day match, leading Peshawar to victory against FATA.
“Getting back in the national team after almost one and a half years is the biggest achievement that I’ve been waiting for since a long time,” Khan added.
The fast bowler said that he has been in form for a while, attributing his selection to his consistent performance in domestic cricket as well as the BPL where he scored the second biggest number of wickets in the tournament.
About the ODI series in Australia, Khan said he is up for the challenge as pitches there are a “bit different”.
“Pitches in Australia are a bit different but I am confident to give a match-winning performance there,” the fast bowler added.
He also said that teamwork will lead Pakistan to victory in Australia.
“I cannot go there and take wickets alone. It’s a team effort, and I am sure my captain and fellow bowlers will give me all the support I’ll need,” he said.
“I will do my best. The rest is up to fate.”
