I'll try make up for the lost time: Asif

Karachi:

Gearing up for a Test comeback after nearly two years, dope-tainted Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif says he would try and make up for the lost time in the series against New Zealand later this month.

"I have not played in New Zealand but have heard a lot about the pitches and conditions there and hopefully if I can get a chance I will make an impact," Asif said.

"The key is to focus on just cricket and try to make up for lost time," he added.

Asif has been picked for the three-match series starting November 24 and the lanky bowler said he would be looking to continue his good domestic form.

"It has been nearly two years since I played a Test for Pakistan. The good thing is that I have been playing regularly in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches and that has helped me find my rhythm and form and get my confidence back," he said.

"There is nothing better for a bowler then to bowl in the longer version of the game," he added.

The pacer made a comeback to the national team in the Champions Trophy playing just one game against Australia after completing a 12-month ban for failing a dope test in the Indian Premier League last year.

In a stormy year, Asif was also fined Rs one million by the Pakistan Cricket Board for being detained in Dubai for 19 days after authorities found a small quantity of hashish in his wallet and deported him without pressing any criminal charges against him.