Outgoing Tykes skipper delivers tough verdict on bowler (From York Press)

Outgoing Tykes skipper delivers tough verdict on bowler

10:19am Saturday 4th October 2008 in

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Darren Gough says Rana Naved-ul-Hasan’s future as Yorkshire’s overseas player is by no means cut and dried after a difficult first season for the former Pakistan international bowler.

Ex-Sussex bowler Rana signed a two-year deal with the White Rose county last winter, despite fitness concerns and links with the much maligned Indian Cricket League.

But the 30-year-old speedster has struggled to establish himself at Headingley following a stunted summer littered with a lack of form and yet more injury concerns.

And just a week after retiring from first-class cricket, 38-year-old Gough, the former Tykes skipper, has strong views on the direction of his beloved home county.

“My view is that we do need to sort out our bowling situation,” said Gough.

“Are we going to go with our youngsters? Are we going to use Rana? I really don’t know what the situation is there. The ICL links could be an issue.

“We need another strike bowler, and we need another batsman to create that bit of a challenge for our other guys.”

Rana’s links with the rebel Twenty20 League could force Yorkshire’s hand into looking elsewhere for their overseas player. Should he play in the second edition of the ICL, which begins next Friday, then he could face a ban from county cricket.

Bosses of the unsanctioned ICL are still hopeful they will be able to get approval from the International Cricket Council, but until that happens Rana faces a choice between India and his county.

When asked about the possibilities of a replacement for Rana, Gough said: “There is (Morne) Morkel. If we can get Morkel, which I doubt we would, then he would be awesome.”

Rana took just 16 wickets from seven Championship matches at an average of 37.87.

His one-day form was far better. He claimed 14 wickets from nine matches at 21.92, while hitting 212 runs at 26.5. He was used, effectively, as a pinch-hitter at number three in Pro40.

“Rana is a good bowler,” continued Gough. “We can’t underestimate him, but it has been a hard season for him.

“When I do lose my temper after a bad performance, I don’t think he is used to that. I think he is used to someone putting their arm around him. He has got to get used to the Yorkshire way of life.

“It will take time. I think he has got everything you need, but has lacked match practice this season.

“He needs to work on that this winter. If he is fit, because he can bat too, he could be very dangerous for us in one-day cricket.

“I just think it has been a tough season for him.”

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