Sidley cricket ace called-up by Pakistan

The Gullivers overseas player, who has scored 202 runs in his last two Sussex League innings, was told via telephone on Friday that he would be among a 20 man squad that will entertain South Africa A.

"I was surprised," he said, "but last season (in Pakistan) was very good. I'm very pleased with the way I'm playing at the moment and I hope I'm selected in the Pakistan team. But I will be sad to leave Sidley, I love the Sidley people."

The form that Rizwan, who toured England with Pakistan A last year under the captaincy of Waqar Younis, alluded to concerns the most recent Pakistan domestic season and this is what has earned him the opportunity.

He was fifth among the list of first class batsmen having scored 725 runs at an average of 40 for Hyderabad, with whom he topped the one day list courtesy of an incredible average of 194 from five games, a sequence during which he compiled a top score of 194 and was dismissed just once. He was also the top batsman in the country at grade two level, having scored 500 runs for UBL Bank in three-day cricket.

The exact dates of the tour or even Rizwan's departure were still unknown to all at Sidley during the week, but everyone connected is wishing him all the best.

"We're definitely delighted for Rizwan," said captain Scott Woodroffe, who was hoping to discover more about the likely leaving date on Wednesday evening. "It's a blow for us because he's just managed to get used to the conditions and get into his stride, but it's great for him.

"By all accounts he might be able to hold on for another week, but that's about as much as it's going to be. We should be alright for an overseas player for the rest of the season. We've got a couple of options with guys that have played for us in the last couple of seasons that I don't think have got regular clubs here."