Graeme Smith: “I think the re-introduction of Wahab Riaz is a good move”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith has admitted that he is glad to see left-arm seamer Wahab Riaz back in Pakistan’s squad.

Wahab was initially not included in the list of 23 probables for the World Cup, but was the third-highest wicket-taker in this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) with 17 wickets in 13 games for the Peshawar Zalmi at an average of 19.88.

However, he, fellow left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir and big-hitting middle order batsman Asif Ali were eventually included in the World Cup team at the expense of left-arm pace bowler Junaid Khan, opener Abid Ali and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.

In Pakistan’s three World Cup games against the West Indies, England and Sri Lanka, he has claimed three wickets at an average of 40.66.

All three of his wickets came in his side’s 14-run win over England in Nottingham on Monday, while it should be noted that Pakistan’s game against Sri Lanka was washed out.

Graeme Smith "I think the re-introduction of Wahab Riaz is a good move. Yes, he was expensive at Trent Bridge, but he took key wickets at key times and clearly wanted that responsibility on his shoulders" #CWC19

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) June 7, 2019

“I think the re-introduction of Wahab Riaz is a good move. Yes, he was expensive at Trent Bridge, but he took key wickets at key times and clearly wanted that responsibility on his shoulders,” Smith was quoted as saying by Saj Sadiq on Twitter.

Pakistan’s next World Cup game will be against Australia in Taunton on Wednesday.

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