Khurram Manzoor talks to PakPassion.net about his late addition to New Zealand's Test Squad and about his performance in recently concluded Pakistan A tour of West Indies.

 by Nimra Ishtiaq

07 December 2010

Having scored a gritty knock of 77 against Australia on a tricky Hobart track in January this year, many pundits thought that Khurram Manzoor had just enhanced his chances of keeping his place in the Pakistan test side. To their surprise however, the right handed opening batsman found himself out of favour with the selectors for the next eleven months. 

However, Manzoor did not let the setback affect his form and answered the selectors in the best way, by scoring runs consistently and once again grabbing the attention of the selectors. Following his return from the Caribbean after the "A" tour, Manzoor has once again been recalled to the Pakistan squad for the test series against New Zealand commencing later this month. 

Manzoor was the most successful batsman for Pakistan "A" on the tour of the West Indies last month. He started the tour with a total of 55 runs in two Twenty20 matches and followed it up with a total of 98 runs in three One Day matches at an average of 32.7, before scoring 289 runs at a tremendous average of 144.50 in the unofficial test series.

Manzoor who was a late addition to the Pakistan squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand stated that he was not too disappointed to see his name initially missing from the squad.

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, the 24 year old PIA batsman stated “When I got to know that I hadn't been included on the tour of New Zealand, I immediately set a new goal for myself: to perform well in the remaining five matches of the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and make a strong case for my inclusion in the probables for the ICC World Cup 2011. However, the following day, the selectors decided to include me in the squad as a reward for my performance on the Caribbean tour.”

Manzoor’s batting technique has been criticised by cricket fans and pundits alike. But it is his gutsy temperament and grit that has impressed many. He batted with steely determination throughout the recently concluded unofficial test series and notched up 100 not out in the rain-affected opening test and then 104 in the first innings of the second match, backing it up with a patient knock of 85off 259 deliveries in the second innings. 

Manzoor rather surprisingly stated that the score of 85 meant more to him than the two centuries he scored. 

“The 85 runs I scored in the second innings are much dearer to me than the two hundreds I had scored earlier,” said Manzoor. Starting the final day of the match only 26 runs ahead with seven wickets in hand, he batted for almost half the day, ensuring a draw for his team.

Manzoor, who has an ODI average of 33.71 and has represented Pakistan in the 50-over format on seven occasions since his debut in February 2008, described the conditions and pitches in West Indies as “tough and sporting”. 

“The entire tour was marred by periodic rain. The conditions, therefore, favoured the fast bowlers. It was very difficult to bat during the morning session because of the dampness in the wicket due to overnight rains. Also, it was not easy to play the cut or the pull shot, especially at St. Vincent. So I concentrated on scoring off the full-length deliveries and tried to play as straight as possible, ignoring the back foot shots” said Khurram.

“I tried to stay out there as long as possible. Big scores cannot be achieved unless one spends plenty of time at the crease. Patience is the key” he added.

Khurram speaking of the opposition was particularly impressed by JO Holder, the young fast bowling talent from West Indies who, in his opinion, may well prove to be one of the fastest bowlers in the world in future. "He's quick and is a very good prospect. I'd expect him to be playing for the West Indies very soon."

Manzoor has seven test match appearances under his belt and has an average of 29.63. He hopes to establish himself in the Pakistan side soon. He believes that the tour of West Indies was a good preparation for the tour of New Zealand. He is well aware of the promising signs shown by Pakistan’s current top order, comprising of Taufeeq Umar, Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali. “I will gladly take this opportunity and try to learn whatever I can from my seniors like Taufeeq Umar and Hafeez, as well as Azhar Ali who is playing brilliantly at the moment.”

Khurram was also full of praise for the left-handed English batsman, Alastair Cook who is having a dream run at the Ashes presently. “He keeps his batting simple and sticks to his own gameplan. In my view, a real cricketer is one who is aware of his strengths and weaknesses, plays well within his limits, does not try anything extravagant and refuses to surrender to the opposition’s tactics.”

He also revealed that he is great friends with the former Sri Lankan medium pacer, Chaminda Vaas, and always looks to seek advice from him. Vaas' advice has been very useful. “During the "A" tour of Sri Lanka I asked Vaas to share his vast experience of international cricket. He summed up his entire experiences in a few words: ‘Don’t think too much, play your natural game and work very hard’.”

Manzoor who has scored over 4500 runs in First Class cricket at an average of 43.88 is optimistic and ready to give his all on his comeback to the national side. “I am extremely happy to be selected to play for Pakistan and Insha Allah, I will try my best to continue my good form and perform well for Pakistan. I will work very hard on my batting, fitness and fielding in the coming days, so that I do not waste my chance as and when I get it.”

Khurram Manzoor will be looking to impress the coaches at the pre tour camp that gets under way in Lahore from December 8.