Umar Gul pondering retirement from Test cricket after knee injury

Umar Gul

Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul is considering quitting Test match cricket if his knee injury does not heal before the series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in October-November. Gul injured his right knee during Pakistan’s tour of South Africa in February-March 2013 after which he underwent knee surgery in Australia in May 2013 and was ruled out of action for more than six months.

“Right now, I don’t know what lies ahead for me because I am still not comfortable with the knee,” he said on a local TV channel.

“I am hoping to make a comeback in the Tests against Australia but if that doesn’t happen I could quit Tests.”

The 30-year old from Peshawar, who has taken 163 wickets from 47 Tests, has said that his problems with the knee still persist despite having gone under the knife once. He is hopeful, though, of continuing to play for Pakistan for the next 4-5 years at the very least.

“The doctors have told me I still have to undergo more rehabilitation and gym training as there are still problems with the knee,” said Gul, who has also taken 173 wickets in 50-over cricket after having played 124 ODIs.

“I don’t feel comfortable bowling. If you ask me right now whether I can play Test matches I will say no.

“I still have lot of cricket left in me but I don’t know what the selectors, or Pakistan team coaches, have planned for me, but I am eyeing a comeback against Australia.”