In an exclusive interview with Pakpassion.net, Nasir Jamshed discusses his return to international cricket in the recently concluded Asia Cup in Bangladesh. A half century against host Bangladesh in his comeback match was followed by an excellent century against India, albeit in a losing cause.

Nasir Jamshed’s comeback to international cricket could hardly have gone any better in the recently concluded Asia Cup in Bangladesh. A half century against host Bangladesh in his comeback match was followed by an excellent century against India, albeit in a losing cause.

The 22 year old left handed opening batsmen from Lahore is widely regarded as one of the cleanest strikers of a cricket ball in Pakistan, but has been unable to cement his place in the Pakistani limited over teams despite making his debut in early 2008. Nasir has featured in only 16 one day internationals, making 546 runs at an average of just under 40. But with the confidence of a century against arch rivals India behind him, Nasir feels that he is now ready to kick start his international career.

“Scoring an international century is a special moment in any cricketer’s career, but to make it against India was just an amazing feeling. The innings against India was naturally a very enjoyable innings but most importantly I felt that I learnt a lot from the innings. That century against India is the one that I hope can kick start my international career” stated Jamshed.

Despite Jamshed’s 112 from only 104 deliveries and an opening stand of 224 with fellow centurion Mohammad Hafeez, Pakistan lost the match by 6 wickets at the Sher E Bangla with 13 deliveries to spare, as Virat Kohli’s magnificent 183 led India home. However, Jamshed felt that there were still a lot of positives that Pakistan can take from the defeat to India and the Asia Cup overall.

“Unfortunately we lost the match to India which was down to some excellent batting by the opposition. You just have to give credit to the opposition, at the end of the day it’s cricket, these things can happen. If a batsman gets in and it’s his day then anything is possible. But the fact remains we won the Asia Cup after playing some very good cricket. It was my comeback tournament and it was a thoroughly pleasurable experience. I’ve previously played in the Asia Cup but we did not do so well last time around, but this time it was fantastic to make my comeback in a tournament winning team.”

Jamshed’s comeback to international cricket came after a gap of more than two and a half years, his previous appearance ahead of the Asia Cup encounter against Bangladesh on 11th March was against Sri Lanka on 3rd August 2009. Despite the extended gap away from international cricket Jamshed felt that he wasn’t under additional pressure to do well.

“Yes there was an extended gap of more than two and a half years since the last time I played international cricket but I didn’t really feel under any additional pressure. It was good for me that the Asia Cup matches were being played in Dhaka, a ground that I am familiar with having taken part in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The comeback for Pakistan was a very satisfactory one and one that I am looking to build upon for the future.”

Having played four consecutive matches for Pakistan at the Asia Cup, Jamshed further hopes that he has shown promise and has displayed the temperament and form that will see him cement his place in the Pakistan line up in future.

“My wish is to play for Pakistan for a very long time and to play consistently well. Whichever format the selectors want to select me in, I am ready to do a job. So far I have played international cricket only in the 50 over format, but I would love a crack at the other formats too. I’ve been given the opportunity to play in the recently concluded Asia Cup and it’s now down to me to ensure that I add consistency to my batting. I have the flair and the shots but I know that consistent form is what the selectors, captain and the coach are looking for from me.”

The Asia Cup was the first tournament where Dav Whatmore and Julien Fountain were at the helm of the Pakistan cricket team and Jamshed feels that both coaches have made an excellent start and an instant and positive impression on the players.

“Both Dav (Whatmore) and Julien (Fountain) have made a really good start to their tenures as coaches. All the boys are enjoying working with them. It’s been a very smooth start for everyone concerned as our aim is to improve our cricket individually and collectively. Dav knows a lot about Asian cricket and is an excellent coach who knows a lot about the game. Julien has worked with the Pakistan team previously and is a very good fielding coach. The boys are enjoying working with him too.”