Recalled Bilal confident to avail BD Test opportunity

ISLAMABAD: Not sure of his own chances for a place in the playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh starting at the Pindi Stadium from February 7, all-rounder Bilal Asif left his fate to the team management, saying decision to play two spinners rested with the head coach and captain.

Talking to media at the Pindi Stadium Tuesday where the team had its nets and training for well over three hours, Bilal who re-earned his name on the probables list for the first Test following his exceptional display of spin bowling for Central and Northern in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy final, said he was ready to go all out with bat and ball if given opportunity. “I am not sure whether the management would go with two spinners for the first Test. It is up to the team captain and head coach to decide. But if given opportunity I would try my best to shine with both bat and ball.”

The all-rounder said he was working hard on his batting. “I have been getting runs including the fast domestic century in T20 cricket in recent times. My efforts would be to excel with bat also. I have started taking my batting seriously for the past few months and if given opportunity would try hard to make the occasion count.”

Bilal said he was pleased to see his selection as a second spinner for the Test. “Getting selected as second spinner is a good omen for my future association with the team. But I also want to contribute with bat.”

Bilal Asif hailed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for bringing Test back to Pakistan. “Playing in front of home crowd and on home pitches brings the best out of you. The PCB efforts for bringing the international cricket back to Pakistan should be recognized. Indeed now it is totally different atmosphere altogether as crowd backs and supports your every good performance.”

When asked on the big gap in between the two Test matches of the series, Bilal said for professional players it was not a big ask. “ Professional cricketers are used to playing under every condition. What matters is to make efforts to give your best.”