I don’t feel I have taken place of Kamran in team: Adnan Akmal

Young wicketkeeper-batsman Adnan Akmal has no guilt pangs about having replaced his elder brother Kamran in the national Pakistan team.

“No there is no such feeling that I am taking his place in the team. Our family believes that whoever plays for Pakistan should give his best and contribute to the team doing well,” Adnan said from Dubai.

Adnan, 26, who has been Pakistan’s regular keeper in Tests since late 2010 and stood out in the first Test against England with sharp keeping and batting, said he was just proud to be the third Akmal brother to play for Pakistan.

“There is no competition among us brothers. We try to support each other all the time. Kamran is presently out of the team but he is playing domestic cricket and is there for me,” he said.

Adnan became the third Akmal brother after Kamran and Umar to play for Pakistan and in 11 tests has so far 45 dismissals behind the stumps.

Adnan said he didn’t think about the fact that he had replaced his brother as keeper in the team and just focused on his job.

“Kamran was the first in our family to play for Pakistan and is the eldest so obviously he has a special place for us.”

Kamran, 30, played 53 tests, 137 one-day internationals and 38 T20 matches after his debut in 2002 but has not been selected for the national team since a rough time in the 2011 World Cup. His last appearance was in the semi-final against India at Mohali.

Adnan said he was delighted to be part of a team that has been doing well in Tests in the last one year.

“Yes it is a good feeling to be part of a winning team and I think we are doing well because everyone contributes in some way to the team.”

Adnan, who scored a match-winning 61-run knock against England, said he had faced no pressure while at the crease.

“No there was no pressure I was just watching every ball and than deciding what to do. When you are playing for your country than you are expected to do well and contribute in some way to the team.”

Adnan said he trained for hours in the nets to improve his keeping against the spinners and pace bowlers.

I don’t feel I have taken place of Kamran in team: Adnan Akmal