Will only play Test cricket if I’m able to perform, says Wahab Riaz

Lahore, June 9 (IANS) Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz opened door for a possible return to Test cricket but stated that he doesn’t want to be just included in the squad to warm the bench. In September last year, Wahab took an indefinite break from first-class cricket to focus on limited-overs formats.

The speedster has now spoken about his desire to play red-ball cricket only if he can put up consistent performances and become a regular in the Test team.

“I will only play Test cricket if I’m able to perform and be a regular part of the team, rather than warming the bench,” Wahab was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.

“Before my decision to take a break from Test cricket, I was not part of the side for almost two years and my good performances were largely in white-ball cricket.”

The 34-year-old last made a Test appearance against Australia in October 2018. Having made his Test debut in 2010, Riaz has scalped 83 wickets in 27 matches so far in the longest format.

Wahab also spoke regarding the proposed Pakistan’s tour of England in August. Both the boards have already announced that they are in the final stages of discussions and the Pakistan pacer said revival of cricket is important in these testing times put forward by coronavirus pandemic.

“It will be a challenging task for the Pakistan team but the good thing is the revival of cricket. I appreciate the steps taken by the PCB and ECB to make this happen,” he said.

–IANS

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