Iqbal happy to engage uncle Miandad's chatline by AFP

---

Ground:	Kennington Oval, Kennington
Scorecard:	England v Pakistan
Player:	Faisal Iqbal, Javed Miandad
Event:	Pakistan in British Isles 2006

---

DateLine: 20th August 2006

 

Pakistan middle-order batsman Faisal Iqbal admitted on Saturday that he's happy to carry on a family tradition of Test match backchat.

 

The 24-year-old has been engaged in a summer-long battle of wits fielding at short-leg during the ongoing series against England prompting comparisons with fiery, former skipper Javed Miandad who happens to be his uncle.

 

"I enjoy fielding close in, I have always talked to the opposition," said Iqbal of his tendency to chat away to England's batsmen.

 

"They give it back too me when I'm batting. It must be in my genes. It's natural and normal. I like to have a chat."

 

Iqbal hit an unbeaten 58 on Saturday in Pakistan's 504 all out in the first innings of the fourth and final Test at The Oval as the tourists look to slavage some pride after already losing the series 2-0.

 

The Karachi middle-order batsman had endured a poor series up until Saturday making just 91 runs at an average of 15.16.

 

But he was in fluid form on Saturday making the most of some wayward England bowling.

 

"The skipper (Inzaman-ul-Haq) has always supported me and encouraged me to do well," said Iqbal.

 

"I have been learning from my mistakes. I enjoyed the short ball today and getting on the front foot. You have to be courageous and positive."

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)