My aim is to play all three formats and my dream is to play test cricket .I already have played five ODI’ s for National side and like to enter test team said 21 year Afghanistan A’ opener Riaz Hassen in an exclusive interview with the Daily News yesterday.
The prolific run getter of the Afghan A side easily became the most successful batsman having two centuries of the ongoing Sri Lanka A team series already given a fine display at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International cricket Stadium in Hambantota.
He scored first century at the first unofficial ODI which ended in a close win for Sri Lanka A ( DLS method) while in fourth ODI Riaz Hassen made a fighting century which guided them to their first win of the series and Riaz led the way with a fluent century .
Riaz said so far I am very happy to score two centuries and especially second ton guided to get series first win in great style In such hot weather it is quite difficult to play these matches and I have always impressed with my batting . I already played ODI internationals but whatever match I got I am very pleased to score runs and this kind of tours give me good opportunity to build up my performance really well added right hander Riaz the most successful batter of this series .
My senior team opening partner Rahmanullah Gurbaz the good stroke maker always admires me .When we batted together at ODI I always rotate the strike and give him more chance to bat and my supporting role is very important for him .He can go for the big shots while as the non striker I give him support with good understanding said Riaz Hassen.
When I started my cricket from childhood my dream was to play test cricket .Now I am training very hard to get my test team place and my coaching staff and team mates all give good support to me .
I never like to be labelled as a ODI player and want to play all three formats as a successful batter .I know it takes time but I can reach my goal very soon .We as a team has good fighting spirit and always try to rectify our mistakes to get success .We know Sri Lanka A team is very strong having National players but we also have good team with experienced players having previous International match practice .
In my country Afghanistan we have much better facilities for cricket now .The grounds and ,domestic cricket structure also vastly improved and now National T – 20 tournament is going on in Afghanistan .We have very good coaches for training and good atmosphere and also when we go to UAE we get hard practice to build up our skills added Riaz Hassen.
Our present National coach Johathan Trott ( former England player ) is very hard working to build up our skills and he is always more concerned about positive cricket .I always get very hard training at the nets with Jonathan and his influence is very important for us .All our supporting staff is working hard and Afghanistan cricket Board give full support .This type of Sri Lanka series give more exposure for us .We can learn more from Sri Lanka players who are very helpful while the ground conditions at Hambantota also very good and hoping to do well in next ODI and four day game at P.Sara Oval Stadium in Colombo . Our players intention is to develop our skills to go for the next level National team .This type of ‘ A’ team series very vital and we have to get experience from this tour concluded Riaz Hassen.
Dhammika Ratnaweera reporting from Hambantota
