Wahab Riaz takes indefinite break from red-ball cricket to focus on limited-over matches
Pakistani pacer Wahab Riaz, on Thursday, announced that he would be taking an indefinite break from red-ball cricket in order shift his focus on ODIs and T20s. Wahab last represented Pakistan in Test cricket against Australia in 2018, but has always been in and around the limited-overs teams.
After getting a shock recall in the 50-over World Cup, Wahab Riaz has decided to take an indefinite break from red-ball cricket to shift his focus completely on the shorter formats of the game. Wahab has announced his decision two days before the commencement of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the premier four-day domestic competition in Pakistan.
"After reviewing my past couple of years' performances in red-ball cricket and the upcoming limited overs cricket, I have decided to take time off from first-class cricket," Wahab was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
"During this period, I will like to focus on 50-over and 20-over cricket, and continue to access my fitness for the longer version of the game," he added.
Having played 27 Tests for Pakistan previously, ther 34-year-old does not possess the best of records, averaging more than 34 with the ball while also having a strike rate in excess of 60. The speedster believes that he, at this moment, is not able to perform to the best of his abilities with the red ball, ultimately forcing him to take the decision to take a break from it for the time being.
"At a stage I feel I cannot only return but also perform with the red-ball, I would make myself available. The PCB had been trying to convince me to pursue my career with red-ball, but today I met them to convey my decision. I am grateful for their understanding and support," Wahab concluded.
Pakistan will play Sri Lanka in 3 ODIs and 3 T20s at home starting September 27, and the sole focus of Wahab will be to make the limited-overs squad for the series.