Razzaq rejects retirement rumours

LAHORE Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq Saturday dismissed speculation about his retirement from Test cricket, saying he wants to continue playing in the longer version of the game. I have no intentions to retire from Test cricket and I am hoping to represent national team in this format also, Razzaq said while reacting to reports of his possible retirement from Tests. Razzaq, who has not played a Test since 2006, said he is available for the teams forthcoming assignment of England where Pakistan will play Test matches besides Twenty20s and ODIs against the hosts and Australia. I am available but my selection depends on selectors, he said. Pakistan will play two Tests against Australia and four against the hosts during their three-month tour of England that will start in June. Razzaq, a veteran of 46 Test matches, said the team would be in need of experienced players in England. An England tour has never been easy for Asian teams and we need experienced players for tough English conditions, he said. England, after winning the World Twenty20, are high in confidence while Australia, the ODI champions, are always difficult opponents, he said. However, he said Pakistan have talented youngsters and after getting more international exposure, they would prove to be an asset for the team. On his performance in the recently concluded World Twenty20, Razzaq said he got little chance of performing but tried his best to excel for his side.

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