Wicketkeeper Haider gets first UAE call-up

Denzil Pinto 08:09 10/08/2014
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  • Happy with team selection: Javed.

    Uncapped wicketkeeper/batsman Saqlain Haider was named in the 15-man UAE squad that will tour Australia and New Zealand next month as part of their 2015 World Cup preparations.

    The UBL cricketer impressed UAE national coach Aaqib Javed by excelling with the bat and gloves this season.

    “He is a really good player who has great vision with his batting and wicket-keeping abilities,” said Javed.

    “I’ve been keeping an eye on him for nearly two years and I feel he’s ready to play for the UAE.”

    Haider will join an experienced squad, led by captain Khurram Khan which also includes specialist spinner Nasir Aziz.

    Regarding the squad, Javed said: “The squad is well balanced and I am happy with the selection.

    “This is more or less the best team we have. There’s still four or five months remaining for the competition, so there’s still time to improve.”

    Javed has also named Ahmed Raza, Salman Farooq, Krishnach­andran Karate, Faizan Asif and Andri Raffaelo Benenger on his standby squad.

    “While I feel this is more or less the squad travelling for the World Cup, there could be one or two changes if some players fail to impress,” said Javed.

    Arriving in Perth on September 7, Javed’s side will play six one-day matches against state and pro­vincial sides in Australia and New Zealand, including a clash against Papua New Guinea in Darwin on September 17.

    The tour is part of the High Per­formance Programme, which will also help Ireland, Afghanistan and Scotland ahead of the World Cup.

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