Mir Hamza pushes for extended Test calendar, shifts focus to white-ball cricket

Reflecting on the gap between Test series, particularly after their recent clash with Australia, Pakistan’s Test fast bowler Mir Hamza highlighted the challenges of regaining momentum in four or five days’ cricket after a prolonged break.

In a recent exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Hamza highlighted the need for increased focus on Test cricket throughout the year.

“In my opinion, we should have more Test cricket. The Test series we played against Australia in December-January. The next Test series we have is probably in August, so there is a big difference.

Four-day or five-day cricket is such that when you play after a long time, it is difficult to get the momentum back quickly. I believe we should play Test cricket throughout the year. It will benefit our team more if both batsmen and bowlers maintain their momentum consistently,” said Mir Hamza.

Hamza, who is actively involved in domestic cricket, has underlined his commitment to excel in both red and white ball cricket as he aspires to secure a permanent place in the Pakistan team.

“As far as white ball cricket is concerned, I am ready for both white ball formats and I am actively trying to prepare for them. I accept every challenge and if I am given the responsibility of red ball cricket by Pakistan team, The effort my goal is to perform well. As far as white ball cricket is concerned, I also play domestically and participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) where I perform well. My aim is to excel in both red ball and white ball cricket and secure a place in the Pakistan team,” he said.

“I wanted to show that I am not just a Test match player or limited to white-ball cricket in the PSL. Despite a poor performance in the PSL during that time, my cricketing journey has started again in the last two years, and I am thoroughly enjoying it” , he added.

Reflecting on his own failures and comebacks in his career, Hamza shared his experience since leaving the team in 2018.

“Whenever a fast bowler experiences a gap in his international career, his comeback often shows a significant improvement in his bowling. In 2018, when I was dropped from the team, I faced similar setbacks in the PSL and Pakistan-A. Despite my recent run years, I used it as an opportunity to prove myself,” Hamza said.

While discussing his wider skills, the 31-year-old expressed keen interest in batting, highlighting notable partnerships in recent matches.

“I have keen interest in batting. In a recent match, 6 wickets short of 200 runs, I partnered Saud Shakeel for 80-85 runs. My aim is to excel in both bowling and batting. In a previous match of Sydney against Australia, I played a key role in a record partnership with Aamer Jamal, keeping my wicket for a meaningful team contribution,” he concluded.