Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Rumman Raees is delighted after he was called-in as a last minute replacement for injured Wahab Riaz, in the recently concluded ICC’s one of the 50-over major competitions in England and Wales while revealing the solitary game has boosted his confidence after putting lot of hard work to don the national jersey at the international circuit.
“That one match [semi-final] has taken my career to another level,” Raees was quoted as saying by Express Tribune, Pakistan.
The Karachi-born 25-year-old bowler grabbed the life changing opportunity with both hands to feature in the only match of the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy where he picked two wickets against hosts England in the first semi-final.
“It has helped me a lot, but that one performance has years of hard work behind it,” Raees added.
While crediting his success to the platform of domestic competition Twenty20 Pakistan Super League (PSL), Raees has further revealed the management of its franchise Islamabad United, has helped him to focus on his basics and the skills while playing under the leadership of Misbah-Ul-Haq.
“The PSL helped me boost my performance and earn a place in the national side. And then that match helped me take another step in my career,” Raees maintained.
It’s pertinent to mention Raees claimed the wickets of Alex Hales and Liam Plunkett as he conceded 44 runs in nine overs, after replacing left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Amir, who was then suffering from back spasms, before claiming three wickets in his breezy spell in the grand finale at The Oval on June 18.
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Following the quality performance from Pakistan, the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side lifted the maiden Champions Trophy after defeating arch-rivals India which further saw the promising paceman Raees been signed by English County team Durham for the ongoing first-class season in England.
While being with the county side, Raees is expecting to use the conditions in England to the fullest, in a bid to prepare himself for the 2019 50-over World Cup which is also scheduled in England and Wales.
“The World Cup will be held in England, so playing county cricket there and getting used to the conditions will help me a lot,” Raees concluded.
Raees further went on to say that after the Champions Trophy triumph all the players are working hard for the upcoming fixtures, as he believes competition has benefitted the side to see players becoming fitter in this whole process.
After earning the One-day International debut following two Twenty20 Internationals made his debut against Windies in 2016 while rising among the ranks owing to the decent record in his first-class career for United Bank Limited (UBL).
