21 year old medium fast bowler Sadaf Hussain's call up for the recently concluded one day series in the Caribbean was a surprise selection, particularly to himself.

 by Saj Sadiq

26 May 2011

21 year old medium fast bowler Sadaf Hussain's call up for the recently concluded one day series in the Caribbean was a surprise selection, particularly to himself.

The Rawalpindi southpaw only completed his first full domestic season last year and what a season it was for him. Sadaf picked up 64 wickets in only 11 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches at an average of just over 16 apiece.

His nagging accuracy and ability to extract bounce from the most placid of surfaces impressed opponents and selectors alike and Mohsin Khan and his selection team duly chose him despite the relative inexperience.

Sadaf speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net explained that the international call up came as a pleasant surprise and he was hopeful that this would mark the start of a promising career for Pakistan.

"I had a good domestic season last time around for Rawalpindi and of course I was hopeful that I would be chosen for Pakistan. When you do well, you hope that the selectors are taking notice. When the call came I was naturally delighted yet surprised."

Sadaf explained that one of his boyhood heroes was Waqar Younis and to have the chance to meet him was simply wonderful.

"I always loved watching Waqar bowl and to get the chance to meet him was simply brilliant. Just meeting him would have been great, but to get the chance to work with him was simply a dream come true. I was a bit awe struck at first, but once I got over the nerves I settled down and started to take on board his advice."

Sadaf who hails from Chakwal further added that "Waqar's an experienced individual when it comes to bowling. He always has great advice to offer and quickly pinpointed a couple of areas that he feels I need to work on. He mentioned about my follow through and that I was "falling away" a little to the left in my follow through. Overall he liked my run up and action, although he did say that I needed to work on my levels of strength to increase my pace. He (Waqar) suggested some specific gym work and work in the swimming pool that will both improve my stamina and strength. Once I am stronger then I feel I can bowl quicker."

Unfortunately for Sadaf he was a spectator during the five one day internationals, as his chance never came, despite Pakistan forging ahead 3-0, with two matches to play. Sadaf though whilst disappointed felt that the experience had been worthwhile and will help him in future.

"Yes it was disappointing not to get a chance. I was desperate to play, especially when we went three nil up, I thought my chance would come, but it didn't. I injured my finger during catching practice, but it was just a minor injury and I was fully fit throughout the tour. However I wasn't disheartened, it was a worthwhile experience, especially working with experienced bowlers and of course Waqar. You can never put a value on such an opportunity and I'm sure the tour will make me a better cricketer."

Sadaf is currently taking part in the three match series against the touring Afghanistan side and took 2 for 25 in Islamabad today as Pakistan comfortably won by 5 wickets. He feels the tour of Pakistan by the Afghans is more than just a cricket series and could be the start of international cricket returning to Pakistan.

"It’s great to see a touring team coming to Pakistan once again. Our nation has been starved of international cricket and I sincerely hope that this series against Afghanistan is the launch pad for other countries to tour Pakistan."

Sadaf also feels that the three match series against Afghanistan presents him and his team mates an ideal opportunity to stake a claim for the senior side. "This series is all about learning and continuing our development as cricketers. Every match is important and this series is very beneficial to up and coming cricketers like myself who are still enhancing our skills."

Sadaf confirmed that "he was due to play club cricket in England this summer and had received several offers. However he decided to stay on in Pakistan and take part in the series against Afghanistan. 

“I feel that the development of my cricket is more important than making money. There is plenty of time ahead to make money, at this moment I'd rather work on my game and make the necessary improvements to it."