http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mohammad-Yousuf-c77465 hopeful of return to the national team –Cricket News Update
Pakistan's former skipper, Mohammad Yousuf, is confident of making a return to the national team - aiming to work hard on his fitness in order to convince the selectors to include him in the squad for his side’s upcoming tour of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758, starting on June
1, 2012.
The 37-year-old veteran was called up to a training camp by the national team head coach, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Davenell-Frederick-Whatmore-c52571, where his fitness levels were assessed. Since then the player has been practicing twice a day at the National Cricket Academy Lahore, in a bid to kick-start
his international career.
“I’ve returned to playing cricket. I believe I can play for my country again and continue doing so for a few years,” said Yousuf while talking to
The Express Tribune.
Despite the veteran’s plea, the final decision hinges on approval from the national selection panel, which recently claimed that only those players will be eligible for the national team’s duties who have been active in the domestic circuit.
Such scenario puts the veteran’s comeback in jeopardy, considering his last involvement at the domestic level came in June 2011. Despite such issues, Yousuf is adamant that he can regain his place in the side, and deliver on a consistent basis.
“I am not looking at shortcuts to gain an entry in the team. I’m concentrating on continuing the hard work that I’ve put in and play at any level till I regain my place in the playing-eleven,” said the aging player.
Yousuf further revealed that he won’t lose hope even he is not considered for the upcoming tour – adding that he will work his way back to form by taking part in domestic games, while further looking forward to ply his trade in the English County with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Leicestershire-c807,
provided an arrangement could be made.
“I won’t be disappointed if I’m not selected for the Sri Lanka tour and will play domestic cricket to gain the selectors’ confidence,” said the veteran.
Despite his evident lack of match practice, Yousuf’s past record, coupled with Whatmore's say in selection matters, might be two things which may go in his favour.
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