Rana eyes Test success

Fresh from a successful county stint with Sussex, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan has set his sights on becoming a regular member of Pakistan's Test squad.

Rana picked up 54 wickets in his nine championship appearances for Sussex, helping them to third place in the top division.

He told Dawn, a Karachi-based daily, "The experience of playing in probably the most professional set-up of international cricket was a learning curve for me personally.

"In fact, the Sussex management has signed me for two further seasons. But availability for county would largely depend on my commitments for Pakistan over the period."

Although he took 18 wickets in 11 matches in the National League division two, helping Sussex to promotion to division one, his performances in the longer version of the game will have been more heartening.

Since his debut in the senior side in 2003, Rana has developed into an outstanding ODI bowler and has taken 55 wickets in 31 ODIs so far. This year in particular, his form has been exceptional; in Australia, India and the Caribbean, he has taken 36 wickets in 17 matches at just over 20.

In Tests, however, it has been a different story. In five Tests since his debut against Sri Lanka in Karachi last year, he has picked up eight wickets at an astronomical average of 76.62.

"Of course, I'm satisfied, but I still feel that there is always room for improvement. My main target in the coming months is to be considered as a Test regular instead of being confined to the one-day arena.

"I'm definitely anxious to improve upon my Test record. And having played on different surfaces under variable conditions in England should help in fulfilling my objectives."

With Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami and Umar Gul returning to fitness and Shabbir Ahmed likely to be cleared following doubts over his action, competition for places will be tough, as Rana admits. "There will be stiff competition for fast-bowling places during the coming Test series against England. I love challenges and will give my best shot if given the chance to prove."

Rana Naved also paid tribute to Mushtaq Ahmed, his Sussex and potential national teammate. Mushtaq took 80 wickets this summer and, according to reports, could be in line for a recall to the Test side after two years on the sideline.

"Mushtaq was a great source of inspiration since we shared the same dressing-room while playing for Sussex. His words of wisdom encouraged me immensely. Together we had some great moments and shared 18 of the 20 wickets against Gloucestershire at Cheltenham."

When Rana made his debut initially, he was considered a bowling all-rounder and although he hasn't had a chance to contribute with the bat at international level, he scored handily for his county this season; his 346 runs came at an average just under 30 and they included a career-best 139 against Middlesex at Lord's..

"It was an unforgettable moment to hit a century at Lord's since my only appearance on this historic ground was in a One-day International against Australia last year.

"That innings was made memorable because of the fact that it was just my second century at first-class level."