Mohammad Irfan Jr, the 6ft 6in Pakistan pacer, who has been in Sydney for the last three years, was an attraction in the Indian team nets in Sydney as they prepared for their T20 World Cup 2022 match against the Netherlands on October 27 at the SCG.
Bowling with a wrong-footed action, Irfan Jr. looked like a right-arm prototype of former Pakistan pacer Sohail Tanveer. The 27-year-old bowled his natural length just at the back of good length and thanks to his height, he got the ball to bounce as well.
Dinesh Karthik was troubled by the bounce but he earned praise from none other than skipper Rohit and the team's numero uno batter Kohli. He, in fact, got Kohli to edge one and also beat his bat with deliveries that bounced away.
"Virat Kohli chale gayein? Rohit bhai ke saath selfie le liya, Kohli ka ek mil jaata," the six feet six inch right arm pacer's sadness was palpable while speaking to PTI.
"My natural length is a bit back from good length. So because of my height, I trouble all kinds of batters. When Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli praise you, what more do you need. Rohit bhai said, best of luck for your future," Irfan said.
"I dismissed Steve Smith twice at the nets and he was not in good form. Since he was unable to middle my bowling, he asked me to not bowl further as he wanted to get his rhythm back," added Irfan.
Mohammad Irfan Jr also revealed that he has played PSL for three seasons and has played FC cricket in Pakistan. But he migrated to Australia and now plays Grade Cricket for New South Wales' Western Suburb District, and is waiting for his PR (Permanent Residency), which might ease his way into Australian first-class cricket.
"It's a good experience but just to let you know, I have played 22 first-class games for Water And Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and three seasons of Quaid e Azam Trophy. I have played three editions of PSL for Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators.
Once I stopped getting chances in PSL, I migrated to Australia. Obviously, I dreamt of playing for Pakistan. I had played for Pakistan A and alongside Babar Azam," said Irfan, who is eyeing a BBL contract.
Irfan wants to bring his family to Australia once his earnings increase.
"Yes, I get paid by my grade cricket team but it's not great money. I don't do any side jobs. I only play cricket. That's why whenever international teams land in Sydney, I land up at the SCG to bowl. Next Monday, I would be bowling at Pakistan nets," he concluded.
(PTI inputs)
