Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Irfan is optimistic of being fit for the 2015 World Cup as he continues his rehabilitation from a hip injury sustained last November. Irfan is unlikely to be picked for the short tour of Sri Lanka in August but a more realistic target would be the limited-overs matches in UAE against Australia and New Zealand from October.
“I know I have to manage my workload and playing Tests is an added pressure, hence I have decided to play T20s and ODIs only,” Irfan said during the summer camp in Lahore. “I will have to ensure that I don’t get dropped. I don’t know what the selectors have decided for me for this year, but I am focusing on the 2015 World Cup.
“I am disappointed at missing a lot of cricket but I am working hard on my fitness and ensuring this time that I can go a long way without breaking down.”
In the last 18 days, Irfan has undergone extensive fitness sessions in the summer camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. He has started bowling in the nets, his daily routine split into two sessions of 30 minutes each.
Irfan, 31, has been sidelined since he injured his hip during the second T20 international against South Africa in Dubai in November 2013. After six weeks of rehab following the hairline fracture, Irfan made a swift return during the domestic Twenty20 Cup in Rawalpindi, but only aggravated the injury, resulting in to more fractures to his hip. Since then, Irfan has been at the NCA, working with doctors on a specialised rehab programme. However, in April, a medical report indicated that he did not require a hip surgery.
Irfan said he was looking forward to bowling in bouncy pitches in Australia which would suit his high-arm action. “It’s a big event for every player. In Australia, the pitches are very bouncy and are suitable for me and I can do well. If I can sustain 100% fitness, I will be able to win matches single-handedly.”