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Yasir's bold one-day declaration

It's not going to be easy, but the champions spinner wants to return to the 50-over format

Ace leg-spinner Yasir Shah has declared his intention to win back his place in Pakistan's Champions Trophy-winning ODI side. 

Yasir has taken Test cricket by storm since his 2014 debut but hasn't tasted the same success in the 50-over format, claiming just 18 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 42.55. 


The 31-year-old was a spectator as Pakistan shocked the cricket world by storming to the Champions Trophy title in June, and has spent the northern summer plying his trade with Kent in the County Championship. 

Pakistan's spinning spot in the Champions Trophy went to young leg-spinner Shadab Khan, who took four wickets in four matches.

Pakistan thrash India to claim Champions Trophy

But Yasir is intent on making the position his own. 

"My objective is to perform well in whichever format I am asked to play in," Yasir told PakPassion. "The idea is to put in my best effort for Pakistan. To achieve that, I will aim to bowl the best I can in every league or domestic tournament so that the selectors can take note and pick me for the national team. 

"It is my wish to make a comeback in the one-day format and I am trying hard to achieve that aim."

Yasir's six, Misbah's sixes hand Pakistan first Test

Yasir also said that the absence of retired skipper Misbah-ul-Haq would be sorely felt, given the experience and professionalism he brought to the group. 

"Misbah has played an important role in shaping my career," he said. 

"He has been like an elder brother for me and his guidance wasn't only limited to the time we were all playing cricket, but he even took care of all the players like a sibling in matters off the field as well. 

"There were many occasions when we were late coming back to the team hotel and he would sit us down and explain to us in a mature and calm manner about what was expected from us as cricketers. 

"This is the type of guidance I got from him and this is important as younger players can make mistakes, but he handled all of us really well and in such a calm manner."