Tanvir Ahmed eager to impress in England

Newly selected fast bowler Tanvir Ahmed is pleased with his call-up to Pakistan's squad for the England tour, and now hopes to push for a settled spot.

"I am delighted that my hard work has been rewarded," Tanvir told AFP. "It's true that your hard work pays and now I will do my best to get a permanent place in the Pakistan team."

The 31-year-old Tanvir has earned his stripes at the domestic level, having played over 100 first class matches. He starred in Karachi's victorious Quaid-e-Azam campaign last season, picking 97 wickets to force his way into the selectors' radar.

Tanvir is excited by the prospect of playing Australia, which he terms as a dream and hopes to do well against their strong batting line-up. He is confident that his experience with minor English club Peterborough Town will come in handy when he gets a chance to bowl on tour.

Rashid Latif, former Pakistan captain and Tanvir's mentor, credited his ward's perseverance for making the cut. "I am sure Tanvir will be successful on the England tour because he pitches the ball up compared to other Pakistani bowlers who bowl short. And more so, he is very committed," Latif said.