The National Bank pace bowler speaks with PakPassion.net about his past performances and the chance to make an appearance for Pakistan in the series against the West Indies.

By Saj Sadiq

 

With the Pakistani selectors' current approach to reward good domestic performances with international recognition, National Bank pace bowler Mohammad Talha has his eyes set on a much waited recall to the Pakistan side.

 

Talha's solitary test chance came against Sri Lanka in the ill fated match at the Gaddaffi stadium Lahore in March 2009. The Test match and the series were of course abandoned following a terrorist attack against the Sri Lankan team as they were on the way to the ground for the third day's play.

 

In a recent conversation with PakPassion.net Talha, who is still young at 22 years of age, stated that as a bowler he felt more mature and streetwise today,  compared to the tearaway that had the unenviable figures of 1 for 88 from 17 rather brisk but wayward overs against the Sri Lankans.

 

"I look at my career statistics and that one test match does not make for good reading. I am a better bowler than those figures suggest. I don't want to make excuses about the nature of the wicket in Lahore for that test match, but I know I can do a lot better if given another opportunity."

 

Faisalabad born Talha's statistics for last season's Quaid E Azam Trophy were impressive. In ten matches he took 53 wickets at an average of just over 22 and Talha hopes that the selectors took note of his consistent domestic performances.

 

"The selectors deserve credit for taking note of players who have performed well in domestic cricket. Junaid Khan and Sadaf Hussain are such examples of consistent form in domestic cricket and I too hope that my successful season in domestic cricket will have impressed the selection committee."

 

Talha was widely recognised as one of the quickest bowlers in Pakistani domestic cricket and whilst his pace has always been an asset, he feels that he has added some guile to his bowling and these days is a better all round bowler.

 

"When I burst on the scene, pace was my strength and I enjoyed seeing batsmen jumping around at the crease when I was bowling. But then as you learn, you gain more experience, especially on Pakistani wickets, you realise bowling isn't about just banging the ball into the pitch and bowling fast. I wouldn't say I have lost any pace over the last couple of years, but I have learnt when to bowl quick and when to use other tactics. I feel I am a more complete bowler now and want a chance to prove that on the tour of the Caribbean."

 

Talha feels that confidence and rhythm are the key ingredients in his bowling and that he can replicate his domestic form onto the international scene.

 

"I've felt good all season. The Pentangular Trophy was tough as there were some very flat tracks and it was at the end of a long season, but I've felt good rhythm to my bowling all season and my confidence is high. I firmly believe that I can provide Pakistan with a good attacking option against the West Indies."

 

With Shoaib Akhtar now retired and with Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif no longer available, the Pakistani pace bowling department has been heavily reliant on Umar Gul to lead the attack. When the selection committee announce the squad for the upcoming 2 match test series, Talha could indeed provide Pakistan with "something different" and the option of genuine pace.