I am skeptical that at this stage of his career Asim will be able to mould himself into a world class keeper-batsman like Gilchrist. but he does have one of the best keepers ever in Rashid Latif (at least IMO) in his corner to back and train him. and Asim has already proven that he’s quite a determined character…
if nothing else, I like that the guy has such a burning desire to represent Pak that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get into the ODI team. best of luck to Asim. hope he continues to do well for Team Pak.
**Rashid advises Asim to keep on regular basis **
By Waheed Khan
KARACHI: **Pakistan’s courageous middle order batsman Asim Kamal has decided to adopt wicket-keeping as a regular job in a bid to win a place in the Pakistan one-day squad.
The left-hander who turned 28 on May 31 has started keeping sessions under the supervision of former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif who has advised him to start keeping on a regular basis in club and first class matches to get comfortable behind the stumps.
“Kamal has talent as a keeper which is why I am helping him out. He is keen to do this job regularly to add to his qualification as a sound batsman,” Rashid said.**
Asim Kamal who has won a lot of praise for his courageous innings of 62 that he scored against India in the Rawalpindi test in April despite batting with an injured elbow said he had started to take interest in wicket-keeping since he had done this job before.
“I have kept before for Karachi and Malir Gymkhana. I remember that I was chosen as a keeper for Karachi against Lahore in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy after I had stood in the previous match and in two games I ended up with something like 12 catches,” he said.
Asim who has been constantly ignored as a one-day player by the Pakistan team management despite his impressive record in the four test matches that he has played against South Africa and India **said if wicket-keeping would become an added qualification for him.
“I am keen to play in the Pakistan one-day side and if by also keeping it can help my chances of being selected I would be very happy,” Asim said.**
Asim has impressed everyone with his gutsy batting having scored three half centuries in his four Tests including a 99 on his test debut last year against South Africa.
He scored two big fifties against India in three innings recently. The reason given for not selecting him in the one-day squad is that he is too dour a batsman.
**But Asim said he was also capable of playing a wide array of strokes but only needed a chance to show his worth.
“If I am selected for the national camp for the Asia Cup I will volunteer to keep wickets also,” he added.**
The Indian team has in recent years gained considerable success including qualifying for the 2003 World Cup final by employing the strategy of asking their premier batsman Rahul Dravid to also keep wickets.
" [quitley looking edha udhar and picking up, actually stealing Uncle Captains 2 cents] and Angels are having a laugh,because its Halal to do so,