I could do a job at World Cup: Fawad

Thunder tweaker Fawad Ahmed concedes he’s unlikely to be a part of Australia’s squad for the World Cup in England next year, but the leg-spinner is confident he would do the job if called upon.

The 36-year-old hasn’t played for Australia since 2013 – ironically in England – but is bowling as well as ever and could pose plenty of headaches for opposition batsmen with his bamboozling bag of tricks.

Ahmed was at his clinical best on Monday night as he claimed three key middle-order scalps to help the men in green to a 21-run KFC BBL win over crosstown rivals, the Sydney Sixers.

Daniel Hughes and Jordan Silk, who starred in the Sixers’ first-up win over the Perth Scorchers, both had their stumps rattled by the leg spinner, while Ahmed also trapped Josh Philippe plumb in front.

Ahmed’s key spell wasn’t lost on Mitch McClenaghan, with the big Kiwi tweeting that his former Thunder teammate was the key to Australia’s success at next year’s showpiece event.

The Pakistan-born veteran was flattered by the comments, but sceptical as to whether he would be given the chance to add to his three ODI caps.

“It’s very nice of him, but it doesn’t look like it’s happening so I’m just going to enjoy myself here,” he told cricket.com.au.

“I’m enjoying the day, I’m enjoying the present, and the future will take care of itself. If the opportunities come, I’m physically very fit and I’m bowling really well.

“You’re always going to be happy serving your country, especially representing your country at the World Cup.

“I’m bowling really well, and hopefully it will continue the same way and I can continue to contribute to the Sydney Thunder so we can win a few more games.”

In an era where spinners – especially wrist spinners – are dominating batsmen around the world, Ahmed’s steadying hand could be a key asset when Australia sets out to defend the World Cup they won on home soil back in 2015.

His form in England in 2013 was stellar, and Ahmed believes that could give him the edge if he was recalled.

“My last game was pretty good for Australia. My last T20, I took three for 25 against England in England, but unfortunately I have never played after that,” he said.

“English conditions have been really good the last couple of years because it keeps a little bit dry and low, just like here.

“As I said, if the opportunity comes, that’d be nice. I would love to bowl there because I have some experience over there because I played all my games in England, be that T20s or one-dayers.

“If I’m the back-up spinner or whatever it is, it’s going to be great for me from my personal point of view, and hopefully I can contribute to win a few more games for my country.

“Any time during your career when you come back into the squad – any squad – is amazing. I’m in a better position and I’m in a better headspace with the way that I’m bowling because I don’t feel the pressure of selection, so I can just enjoy my time.”

Ahmed’s Christmas Eve spell ensured the Thunder remained unbeaten after two games of BBL|08, and the good times could keep rolling if batsmen continue to misread his arsenal of deliveries.

“A good start is always good, especially at the beginning of a big tournament. There are going to be a lot of games, so there are going to be a lot of ups and downs for teams and the players as well,” he said.

“I think it’s a little bit harder (for batsmen) at night time with the artificial lights, especially with the white ball. It is a bit harder, and you don’t have a lot of time to read the ball, especially because you only have 20 overs so the batsmen are going to go harder and they’re not going to spend too much time trying to read the ball.

“My thing is to execute it nicely; if I can bowl sliders, wrong’uns or whatever, I have to execute the ball with good pace and a good line and length.”