Karachi: The Pakistan’s fast bowler, Mohammad Asif is delighted over the praise from one of the modern-day greats, AB de Villiers who recently reckoned Mohammad Asif amongst his most challenging opponents. In his memoir, “AB: The Autobiography”, the South African batsman also named England spinner Monty Panesar and Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson as his fierce competitors.
The Pakistan pacer, Mohammad Asif is obviously delighted over the praise and said that it was an honour for him. “It is indeed a huge honour for me as it came out from one of the finest contemporary batsmen. I have some great memories playing against AB De Villiers as well”, Mohammad Asif told this correspondent.
“I have had my share of luck against him (AB) as I dismissed him quite a few times. I remember troubling him with my in-swingers”, Mohammad Asif added
In three one-day games of the Afro-Asia Cup in 2007 Mohammad Asif, representing the Asia XI, dismissed Africa XI’s AB de Villiers twice. The two also came across in Test and ODIs, the same year in South Africa and Pakistan.
“On the 2007 tour of South Africa, I picked him up a few times during Test matches. Later the same year in Pakistan, I couldn’t dismiss him but at least managed to ran him out once”, Mohammad Asif laughingly said.
“He is a marvelous player and I look forward to playing against him again”, Mohammad Asif said
Mohammad Asif, 33, was banned in 2010 with his then skipper Salman Butt and fellow fast bowler Mohammad Amir for his involvement in the spot-fixing episode.
Mohammad Amir, earlier this year, made a comeback to the national team while Salman Butt has been featuring in domestic competitions.
Sharing his future plans, the lanky right-arm fast bowler said that he had not lost hope to wear the Pakistan colour once again. “I have been working hard to keep myself fit and eagerly waiting for the upcoming first-class season. I have good 5-6 years left in me and I want to represent my country again”, Mohammad Asif said
Muhammad Asif will represent WAPDA in the upcoming Quaid-e-Trophy, Pakistan’s premier first-class tournament, starting from October 1st.