Kabir Ali is relishing his role as Lancashire’s spearhead bowler as the Red Rose face struggling Leicestershire Foxes and attempt to reclaim their place at the top of the Natwest T20 Blast table.
Lancashire lost in the final over in last week’s Roses derby against Yorkshire Vikings.
A ferocious 88 from 55 balls by Aaron Finch helped Yorkshire chase down a commanding Lancashire total.
Ali took two wickets in the defeat, including dismissing captain Andrew Gale with the fifth ball of the match.
He has formed a successful partnership with Pakistan bowler Junaid Khan, who has been sharing his international expertise with the rest of the squad.
“Junaid’s a great bowler to bowl with,” Kabir told the club website.
“Over the years I’ve been very lucky. I’ve bowled with Glenn McGrath, I’ve shared the ball with Shoaib Akhtar and you pick up bits and bobs.
“Junaid’s a bit different, a left-armer, but I always ask him ‘how do you bowl these’ and he asks me how I bowl.
“I really enjoy the pressure situations. I’ve done it for many years. I practice everything as honestly as I can. When the game situations come, I back myself and my skills.”
Ali played 14 ODI’s for England but was mostly underwhelming, taking just 20 wickets with an economy rate of 6.08.
He has enjoyed a more successful time at Lancashire after moving to the club from Hampshire in 2013.
He will play a crucial part in helping Lancashire exact revenge on Leicestershire after they lost out on a place in 2010’s T20 final when Leicestershire emerged victorious in a Super Over.
“The Yorkshire game was a great game with a good crowd,” Ali said.
“We’ve done all the right things and hopefully we’ll get the right result against Leicester.”
Lancashire are currently second in the T20 Blast North league, despite last week’s loss to Yorkshire, and have bolstered their batting with the signing of Australian international Usman Khawaja.
Khawaja made his international debut in the 2010/11 Ashes series but has failed to secure a regular place in the batting line-up.
He will however offer some stability for Lancashire’s batting order, particularly in the four-day game where they have struggled to replicate last season’s successes.
“Usman’s a proven performer in Australia,” added captain-coach Glen Chapple.
“It’s no secret that we’re looking for runs and he’ll strengthen our batting line-up. He is very highly rated in Australia and he is on their radar for the future.”
Image courtesy of Official England Cricket, with thanks.
