Rookie Pak spinner admits of being inspired by Muralidharan

Karachi, Mar 1(ANI): Pakistan left-arm spinner Raza Hasan, who has been named in the probables list for the ICC T20 World Championship to be held in April, has said that he likes to watch Daniel Vettori and Monty Panesar, but takes inspiration from Sri Lankan off spinner Mutaih Muralidharan.

The 17-year-old spinner has played only two first class matches, but he has impressed many with his control and variety, and also performed brilliantly in the Under-19 World Cup, where Pakistan were defeated by Australia in the final.

"Vettori and Panesar are excellent left arm spinners, but Murali is the bowler that I love watching. I have videos of him at home and they have been watched so many times that the tapes are almost worn," PakPassion.net quoted Raza, as saying.

"He's a great bowler and a real inspiration for me. Every time I watch the videos, there is something new to be learnt from watching the legendary Sri Lankan bowler," he added.hough he is making rapid progress, Raza believes that he has to be more hard working and there are areas that he needs to work on to improve further.

"One of the main areas that I know I have to work on is my fitness. I need to build up my strength and levels of stamina. As a spinner you have to bowl long spells and I know that I need to improve my levels of stamina and fitness. I am working with the fitness staff at the NCA especially on lifting weights, long distance running and sprinting," Raza said.arlier, describing the 17 year old as a 'talented' lad, Pakistan U-19 cricket coach Ijaz Ahmed had said he must be included in the 15-member squad for T20 championship.

"The pitches in the West Indies are going to assist spin and Raza should be taken in the final squad. He's a very talented boy and has ability that defies the fact that he is only 17 years of age. Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Malik and Raza Hasan could form a very powerful spin attack in the Caribbean," Ahmed said.

Ahmed, who was recently in temporary charge of the Pakistan senior team that played two T20 matches in Dubai against England, is also of the opinion that Raza should be taken to England, where Pakistan would be playing against the hosts and Australia.

"Yes I firmly believe that Raza will be ready to play in England against Australia and England. He has the ability to perform well in one-day cricket and the longer version of the game. He has ontrol and most importantly knows when to defend and when to attack as a bowler," he added. (ANI)