Cricinfo





home Widgets Top Performer Bright Moments Photos+ Airtel mChek Help and Feedback

 

Live Scorecards
Fixtures | Results
3D Animation
India v Australia
Bangladesh v N Zealand
Stanford 20/20 for 20
ICC Intercontinental Cup
ICC WCL Division 4
Indian Cricket League
Current and Future Tours
News
Photos | Wallpapers
Cricinfo Magazine
Match/series archive
Records
Statsguru
Players/Officials
Grounds
Women's Cricket
ICC
Rankings/Ratings
Wisden Almanack
Games
Fantasy Cricket
Slogout
Daily Newsletter
Toolbar
Widgets



The News

Bangladesh tri-series 2008

Selectors look to Gul to spearhead attack

June 5, 2008


Umar Gul faces high expectations after Asif's exclusion from the Pakistan squad © Getty Images
 

Pakistan are hoping that the last-minute withdrawal of Mohammad Asif will not affect their team's title chances in a tri-nation tournament, starting in Dhaka on Sunday

The selectors are now looking to Umar Gul, the most experienced fast bowler available, to guide a young yet potent pace attack in Bangladesh, where Pakistan are expected to face India in the clash for the title.

"Asif's ouster is certainly a setback for us," chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed told The News, a Pakistan based daily. "But we still have some very talented fast bowlers and hope that somebody like Umar Gul will step forward and shoulder the responsibility of spearheading our pace attack in Dhaka."

Asif was dropped from the 16-man Pakistan squad following his detention in Dubai. Sohail Khan, 24, who made his international debut at home against Zimbabwe earlier this year, was included in his place.

Pakistan's pace attack is also without their fastest bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who is currently trying to overturn a five-year ban. Mohammad Sami was also not considered after his involvement with the unofficial Indian Cricket League.

Now Gul, 24, heads the pace battery that includes Sohail Tanvir, Rao Iftikhar Anjum and youngsters Wahab Riaz and Sohail. "Gul has time and again proved himself to be a wicket-taking bowler and I'm sure he will respond to the challenge," said Salahuddin.

He is also expecting a lot from Sohail Tanvir, who was recently crowned as the most successful player of the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL). "Sohail showed he can be really destructive and we hope that he would retain his form in Bangladesh."

Pakistan's Dhaka-bound squad will assemble in Karachi today to have a practice session before flying out to Dhaka on Friday.

 
Post this story on your favourite website Email this page to a friend Print this page Feedback
Watch our daily Cricinfo SportsCenter news round-ups
Available on Cricinfo.tv
    Add a Cricinfo Widget to your website now!
Cricinfo Widgets
    NEW FANTASY: India v Australia Test series - prizes to be won
Enter now - series starts October 9

Cricinfo Mobile


Related Links



Stories

Players/Umpires






Sponsored Links
Check out all the action only on Tour Diaries
Brought to you by Airtel
2/3 BHK Homes.Search NOW!
Makaan.com
Bright Moments
Brought to you by Philips
Gatorade Pacers 2008
Register Now
Follow the new 2008/09 Premier League season
On ESPNsoccernet
 
Cricinfo Products
NEW FANTASY: India v Australia Test series
Enter to win prizes
Add a Cricinfo Widget to your website now
Portable apps for your site
 


 
Top 5 player searches
Most read stories