Fawad Alam targets World Cup spot

Fawad Alam, the Pakistan batsman who has been selected in his team's limited-overs squads against England, has said he is looking ahead to the 2011 World Cup and is keen to cement his place for the tournament next year.

"The World Cup isn't too far away now and with series against England, South Africa and New Zealand prior to the premier one-day competition, I know that I have to deliver and that the competition for places is intense," Alam told PakPassion. "I have faith in my ability though and hope that the selectors give me the opportunity to deliver.

"I hope I get a chance to play in the Twenty20 matches and the one-day series [in England], especially as the World Cup is only six or so months away. It's time to ensure that I perform well whenever I am given the opportunity, as preparations for the World Cup are now in full swing."

Alam has played 17 ODIs for Pakistan, averaging an impressive 40.87. He last played an ODI in January this year, against Australia in Perth. Upon the conclusion of the two-match Twenty20 series against Australia in England, Alam stayed back and signed up with Woodhall Spa in the ECB Premier League to play club cricket.

"I could have gone back to Pakistan, but I felt that playing some club cricket in England would be more beneficial. Woodhall Spa gave me the opportunity and I am very grateful to them," Alam said. "It has given me valuable match practice, the opportunity to maintain my levels of fitness and a chance to work on some technical issues as well. I've really enjoyed my stint in the ECB Premier league and have scored consistently and taken wickets too. Sometimes, away from the hustle and bustle of international and first-class cricket, you can work on issues that you feel you need to work on, which is what I have done".