da supremo： Former captain Rashid Latif had mixed feelings after he was assured ofa place in the England-bound team though the announcement of the squadwas delayed for at least 48 hours
25-Apr-2001Former captain Rashid Latif had mixed feelings after he was assured ofa place in the England-bound team though the announcement of the squadwas delayed for at least 48 hours.”I am delighted to be back but it is also a sad moment for me becausemy selection came at the expense of my good friend,” Rashid, who willreplace Moin Khan, said.Rashid, who led a successful crusade against some of his team-mates byaccusing them of deliberately throwing matches, attributed hiscomeback to dedication and total committment.”Naturally it was very disappointing and disheartening when I wasdropped three years ago. I could have called it a day but my wellwishers persuaded me to continue with my hard work and hope for thebest.”It is not easy to return to international cricket. It takes a lot ofhard work and mental strength to come with the same standards you hadset previously.”I think I have been rewarded for all my efforts,” he said, adding: “Iwould try my best to justify my selection.”However, he said he felt bad for Moin.”We have always enjoyed a healthy competition with each other. Therelationship has always been excellent but I can understand how upsethe would be.”But I know Moin. He will not give up and will increase his efforts toregain his place. He has been a great sportsman his never say dieattitude. “But the unfortunate part is that only one wicket keeper hasto play. The other disadvantage is that we are born in the same eraand thus continue to fight for the sole place.”Rashid has always been regarded as a better wicket keeper as his 80dismissals have come in just 22 Tests. Besides, he has alsocontributed 659 runs with the bat.