Pakistan finds lanky bowling sensation to boost hopes for England tour by AFP

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Event:

England in Pakistan 2005/06

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DateLine: 19th October 2005

 

Pakistan's nationwide hunt for fast bowlers to tame England in their forthcoming home series has unearthed a six foot six inch (1.98 metre) fast bowler, coach Bob Woolmer told AFP Wednesday.

 

"Mohammad Shafiq is an exciting talent and although he is very raw with his height he can help our batsmen prepare for tall England fast bowlers like Steve Harmison," he said.

 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) launched the hunt for pacers in 10 cities across the country and picked up six fast bowlers for the national camp for the upcoming England series.

 

England arrive in Pakistan on October 26 and play two three-day side matches before the first Test starts in Multan from November 12.

 

The five-match one-day series follows the three-match Tests.

 

Pakistan have also summoned a few left arm spinners to the camp to match England's spin master Ashley Giles who, with 17 wickets in three Tests, helped England win 1-0 on their last tour to Pakistan in 2000.

 

The 23-year-old Shafiq caught Woolmer's eye and was instantly summoned for the camp by Pakistan's English coach.

 

"I am delighted and even though I may not feature in the matches against England I was encouraged by Woolmer's words," said Shafiq, who wants to emulate his idol, former Pakistan left arm pacer Wasim Akram.

 

Shafiq, who hails from the small town of Mul on the outskirts of Lahore, was motivated by the fact that Akram too was picked from a talent hunt campaign and instantly made his mark at international level in 1984.

 

"It's luck. If I have come this far I can go any distance," said Shafiq.

 

Pakistan have recently struggled to find a suitably lethal pair of quicks. Shoaib Akhtar holds the record as the world's fastest bowler but has been plagued by injuries, as has Mohammad Sami.

 

PCB's talent hunt programme coordinator Nauman Badar hopes Shafiq makes his international mark sooner than later.

 

"Shafiq reminds me of former West Indian bowler Joel Garner, who was six foot eight and was very accurate. Shafiq can be a very good addition to Pakistan's pace arsenal," said Badar.

 

"He (Shafiq) would be unknown to England and I think he should be given a chance in the one-day series," said Badar.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)