KARACHI: Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul is hopeful that his good form in the recently concluded Test and One-day International (ODI) series against the West Indies will earn him a place in the national team for the upcoming tour of South Africa.
Talking to reporters here on Friday, Umar, who is representing the Peshawar Panthers in the ongoing Twenty20 Cup, said he is feeling no pressure for his place in the side after the return of pace trio of Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif and Shabbir Ahmed.
“I believe I am fit and enjoying my bowling form. I am hopeful for getting a berth in the team for South Africa tour despite the return of the top three bowlers,” he explained.
Shoaib and Asif had their doping bans overruled earlier this month while Shabbir got green signal for the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday after his one-year ban expired on Dec 19.
Umar, who played an integral part in Pakistan’s 2-0 win against the West Indies by taking 16 wickets, said he was thankful to skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis for their encouragement, which he said was the main reason for his fine show against Brian Lara’s men.
Meanwhile, Pakistan vice-captain Younis Khan has said the return of Shoaib, Asif and Shabbir is a good omen for the national team saying it has boosted Pakistan’s chances in the upcoming tour of South Africa and the World Cup in the West Indies next year.
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