Wednesday 12 September 2012

Fantastic day for nine-wicket Abdur Rehman and Somerset


"Whenever I play, I am representing the Pakistani image" :Abdur Rehman

An explosive spell of bowing by Pakistan left arm spinner, Abdur Rehman saw him acclaim his career best figures of 9-65. Bowling for Somerset against Worcestershire at Taunton, Rehman put in a spell 24 overs that showed why he's one of the most consistent performers on the world stage. Only Peter Trego picking up the eighth wicket of the innings, denied Rehman the chance to capture the perfect ten. 

Rehman was understandably pleased with his performance. "I am really happy that I performed for my team. I am bowling with good rhythm at the moment and hope to take this experience with me when I return to Pakistan". He added "Playing in these conditions will InshAllah help me in the future. If and when required and I play for Pakistan in these shores, I will have experience of these conditions". 

Already having a Test fifty to his name, Rehman was adamant that not only his bowling but batting and fielding was coming on leaps and bounds. "After games and days off my time is spent in the nets. I am working really hard on my batting. I see batting as a important aspect to my game". Though Rehman primarily plays as a specialist bowler for Pakistan, he looks at it differently, "It is essential that I contribute with the bat when I play. It would be wrong for me to think that I have bowled and done my job. I genuinely believe I can became a good batsman". 

Abdur Rehman played a crucial role in the whitewash of England at the start of the year and remembers the series as a career highlight, though he has the utmost respect and gratitude for his spin partner, Saeed Ajmal. He believes Ajmal is the best bowler in world cricket. He spoke about how the pair try to work in tandem by stating, "We look to stop the flow of runs. If you can stop the runs then the wickets usually follow. It's important to bowl in pairs as that is how pressure is created". Asked if there was any friendly rivalry between the two, Rehman said that they both respected each other and only ever want Pakiatan to win. Which of the two, or any other teammate get's the wicket, is irrelevant. 

Though a regular in the squad for the ODI format, Rehman is yet to nail down a regular place in the starting 11. He did play on two out of the three games last week against Australia and feels that he can make that final push. "I have been a regular in the ODI squad for sometime now. I always look to perform to my best ability but understand Pakistan is blessed with great spinners". He added "All I can do is doing my best for Pakistan whenever I get a chance. I played against Australia in two games and felt I did well. I believe in my ability and InshAllah I'll do well whenever given the chance". 

Rehman missed out on the Twenty20 squad for the World Championship but he held no ill feelings towards anyone. He stated "Im pretty sure Pakistan will do us proud. I am sure we will get to the final at the very least and think we can definitely win the World Cup". He saw the recent series win over Australia as a good benchmark from which the team can progress from and also believed that great things can be achieved by the team with the support of the Pakistani public behind them. "The Australia series showed we are a superb team. Beating any Australian team in any format is not easy, but we did it. The people of Pakistan need to get behind the team and InshAllah the team will bring the title home". 

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