Umar Akmal said that he could bat at any position for team Pakistan. Earlier, he was picked in the list of 20 probables for Sri Lanka series along with Ahmed Shehzad.
Sri Lanka will play three ODIs and three T20Is in Pakistan from September 27 to October 9, 2019.
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| Ready To Bat Wherever The Team Management Wants Me To: Umar Akmal Picture Courtesy © Photo Gallery |
I Would Like To Forget The Things in The Past: Umar Akmal
Umar Akmal, who made debut for Pakistan back in 2009, was considered the next big thing in cricket for Pakistan. He promised the bright future at the start of his career, but couldn't fulfil his promise. He has thrown his wicket many a time with reckless shots.
Umar Akmal was considered highly talented batsman by cricket pundits. On his test debut against New Zealand in Dunedin, against the likes of Shane Bond and Daniel Vettori, he struck 129. In the third ODI of his career, he scored hundred against Sri Lanka. But, since then, he has not delivered to his skills.
Since his debut, he remained the consistent member of team Pakistan till ICC cricket world cup 2015. Then he was dropped from ODIs due to disciplinary actions and some poor performances. He was called back for T20Is in ICC T20I World Cup 2016 but, he failed to impress the management and selection committee. He had conflicts with the former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur. Umar Akmal was recalled for ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in England. But, he failed to clear the fitness test, so he was sent back from England. Pakistan won that ICC event, and they kept going with that team for a couple of years. Before the ICC World Cup 2019, Umar Akmal was given a chance to prove his worth once again. He was picked for the Australia series in UAE. He played a couple of handy knocks but was ignored by the selectors for World Cup squad.
After Pakistan failed to qualify for playoffs in ICC World Cup 2019, Pakistan cricket board (PCB) parted ways with the team management. With the appointment of new team management, the new head coach and Chief selector Misbah Ul Haq has shown his trust in Umar Akmal and has named him in 20 probables for Sri Lanka series.
Umar Akmal is optimistic about performing well if given a chance to play for Pakistan. The 29-years old stated, "There is a now new coaching staff in place, and I would like to forget things in the past, and I thank PCB for trusting me once again. I will not let them down, and I will give my best and work hard and try to deliver for Pakistan."
When asked about his batting position, he replied," I am ready to bat wherever the team management wants me to."
His selection for Sri Lanka series hangs in the balance, as Misbah Ul Haq is expected to announce the final squad on September 21.
Sri Lanka will play three ODIs and three T20Is in Karachi and Lahore respectively.
Umar Akmal's Career Stats
Umar Akmal debuted in 2009 for Pakistan. The right-handed middle-order batsman has represented Pakistan in 16 Tests, 121 ODIs and 82 T20Is
- In Tests, Umar has scored 1003 runs in 30 innings at an average of 35.82
- He has scored one hundred and six fifties in the longest format
- In ODIs, he has scored 3194 runs at an average of 34.34 and strike-rate of 86.07
- In this format of the game, Umar Akmal has two hundred and twenty fifties to his name
- In T20Is, He has scored 1690 runs at an average of 26.83 and strike-rate of 122.91
- He has eight fifties to his name in this format of the game
Umar Akmal is the man who can bring the balance to this Pakistan side if he plays upto his ability and takes more responsibility. This series will be a career-defining moment for the right-handed batsman.
