Published: Jun 08, 2013, 05:31 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 08, 2013, 05:31 PM (IST)
Fawad Ahmed is likely to be included as a second spinner in Australia’s Ashes squad © Getty Images
London: Jun 8, 2013
England skipper Alastair Cook admitted that his team knows nothing about leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed who is on the brink of being selected for the Australian squad for the Ashes starting in July.
“To be honest with you, I haven’t seen much of him at all. If he gets included in Australia’s squad, we’ll have to do our diligence like we do with every player,” Cook was quoted as saying by Australian Associated Press.
Ahmed is part of the Australia A squad and is scheduled to arrive in United Kingdom on June 14 to play a match against Ireland.
“Obviously there’s an opportunity if he’s now in the A squad over here that we will see him and have a look.”
The surprise element of the Australian squad is yet to receive his citizenship. The legalisation process is likely to be completed soon, to allow the Pakistan-born Ahmed to feature in the Australian squad.
Cook is under pressure going into the ICC Champions Trophy, having lost the series to New Zealand. The hosts will have a lot to prove in the eight-nation tournament as this is the last edition and the next major platform to set a record would be the World Cup in 2015.
“I think we’ve spoken about trying to win a 50-over tournament so this is an opportunity to do that. Alongside the World Cup in 2015, they’re important tournaments. We know what we can do – it’s about us delivering it,” said Cook.
