I am now a more mature and complete batsman: Imran Nazir

Karachi, July 11 (ANI): Pakistani batsman Imran Nazir, who is well known for his aggressive batting, has said he is far more mature and complete batsman now in comparison to his debut days.

Nazir debuted at the age of 17 and his attacking flair was also his shortcoming and he was soon found out by more experienced bowlers.

He was soon upstaged by the likes of Mohammad Hafeez, Yasir Hameed, Taufeeq Umar and Salman Butt.

In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Nazir said: "I was immature back then in terms of cricket and it was simply a case of just relying upon my natural ability. My aim at the start of my international career was to just go out there enjoy myself and hit the ball as hard as I could.

"I disagree. I feel that I am a far more mature and complete batsman these days. I've been playing cricket at the highest level now for over 13 years and I am of the opinion that my technique has improved and that my all round awareness of cricket has improved greatly.

"I feel that I am more aware of targeting certain opposition bowlers and have improved my approach to batting in the various formats, rather than playing the same way in all three formats."

Commenting on his best international innings, Nazir said: "I think my career-best innings was the 131 that I made against the West Indies in Bridgetown in May 2000. The West Indies had Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose in their bowling line up and my innings enabled Pakistan to draw the match after a first innings deficit of 145."

He said that his focus is to do well in domestic cricket and try and once again catch the eye of the selectors. (ANI)