Pakistan middle-order batsman Umar Akmal, who has last played Test match in 2011, questioned Pakistan Cricket Board for not allowing him to play the Test format as he believed he has played according to the brand of Test cricket.
“I was playing the very same brand [Test] of cricket, which was actually evolving at that time, but I was dropped because I play fast and not the conventional way,” Umar was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
The 26-year-old right-handed batsman Umar has also spoken about his ability while adapting the modern Test cricket before expressing he is hopeful to make the comeback in Tests after the long lay-off.
“Was that my mistake? If so, then the whole world has now adapted this modern form of cricket in Tests as well,” Umar said.
Umar, who is participating in the second edition for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League in United Arab Emirates, has also criticized the reason of selectors who always ignored the aggressive batsman and part-time wicket-keeper according to him.
“I still wonder what I did wrong and where I went wrong to be dropped from Test side. They only dropped me saying that I am not suitable for Test cricket because I don’t hold back, which is required in Tests,” Umar revealed.
After dismal performances with the bat, Umar was ignored by selectors in the recent past.
However, following the good performances in the domestic cricket he was inducted in the Pakistan squad for the five-match series against Australia last month.
“But the approach to playing Test cricket has changed over the years. Now teams score 350 or so in one day and matches hardly go into fifth day,” Umar further said.
While failing to live up to his expectations, Umar, who was making a return in 50-over format after 2015 World Cup, scored 131 at an average of 32.75 in five matches against Australia in the recently concluded 50-over series.
“People often compare me with other batsmen but why don’t people realise that the number I bat at is critical and there is the burden of extra responsibility,” Umar remarked.
However, Umar, whose prime focus is his fitness, has played 16 Tests in which he scored 1,003 runs at an average of 35.82.
“I still try to help my team out of pressure situations by pushing back the opponent, but sometimes I am not able to do so. But my intentions are clear that I want to play for my team according to the requirement and will play my shots,” Umar concluded.