In an exclusive chat with PakPassion.net, Khurram Manzoor speaks of his hopes of regaining his position in the Pakistani batting lineup for the home series againt England.

By Saj Sadiq (3rd December, 2011)

If you have just completed a gritty knock of 77 against Australia on a tricky Hobart track you'd quite rightly expect to play in at least the next test match. However to his surprise Khurram Manzoor the right handed opening batsman from National Bank has found himself out of favour with the selectors since that innings last year.

Since the tour of Australia, Manzoor was the most successful batsman for Pakistan "A" on a tour of the West Indies. 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 an average of 144.50 in the unofficial test series.

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, the 25 year old batsman stated “Yes you can say it's been a surprise that I was not chosen to play at least the next test match after my innings of 77 against Australia. But that's the way it goes sometimes. You simply don't know what is around the corner and you have to take the rough with the smooth and get on with it.”

Manzoor has scored 478 runs for National Bank in the ongoing Quaid E Azam Trophy at an average of just under 32 and added "I've scored 2 centuries and a half century so far this season and I'm quite happy with my form. It's been a new start for me at National Bank having been at PIA for so many years, so it takes a bit of time to adjust, but now I feel settled and ready to do well for National Bank."

Manzoor has a One day international average of 33.71 and a test average of just under 30 and he feels that he can come back to the Pakistan side and perform well if given the chance against England in the new year in the UAE.

"There is a big series coming up against England and I feel that I can perform well against England at the top of the order if given the chance. England are a fantastic side and in great form but in the conditions in the UAE I feel that I can provide Pakistan with the perfect platform opening the innings. Starting well is key against good teams like England and I am confident that I can do well against Anderson, Broad and the rest."

"I just hope that the selectors provide me with another opportunity to play for Pakistan and once again show them what I am capable of. I don't think I did myself justice in the 14 matches that I have played for my country and want to prove to my critics that I am a better batsman than what some think I am."

Khurram also once again praised left-handed English batsman, Alastair Cook who he says is a very good role model for himself. “Cook's approach and gameplan is fantastic for Test cricket. He is someone who batsmen around the world can learn from and he is a very good role model. Cook will provide a stern challenge to the Pakistani bowlers but it should be a great encounter and a close series in the UAE. I just hope I am part of the action."