Test cricket is the real thing, says Tanvir

Pakistan pacer Sohail Tanvir feels that Test cricket is where he would like to prove his mettle.

The youngster displayed exemplary sheen at the inaugural edition of the DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament under the captaincy and coaching of Australian spin legend Shane Warne. He took 22 wickets in 11 games at an average of 12.09 and an economy-rate of 6.46 in the tournament while playing for the Rajasthan Royals – the eventual winners of the Twenty20 competition.

"If you are ranked as a player, it is solely based on your performance in Tests," Tanvir told the Gulf News. "The one-day and Twenty20 versions are meant to entertain the crowds who come to watch sixes, boundaries, catches and wickets.”

"The real thing of course is Test cricket," averred Tanvir. “I am comfortable in all forms of the game, but it is Test cricket that I would love to prove myself now,” he added.

Tanvir made his first Test appearance for Pakistan in November 2007 against India. So far, he has to his credit only five wickets from the longest version of the game from the two Tests that he has played so far.

He further credits his competitive bowling skills especially the in-swing delivery to Pakistan legend Wasim Akram who trained him in a training camp in April last year. The 23-year-old also said Akram had been a role model since his childhood days.