- Joined
- Apr 13, 2025
- Runs
- 1,628
In our latest exclusive interview, Lancashire & England pace sensation Luke Wood opens up about his PSL success, Pakistan experiences, and England ambitions. The T20 globetrotter reveals behind-the-scenes insights on Babar Azam's leadership, Pakistan's young guns, and why his height becomes a superpower in Asian conditions.
Key topics include:
Lancashire Season Update: Luke shares that Lancashire had a tough start to the season while he was away, but they've since hit a turning point, with the team in good spirits and results improving in both four-day and T20 formats. He also praises James Anderson's continued contribution and experience, noting his consistent performance in every game.
Playing for Lancashire as a Yorkshire Native: Luke, born in Yorkshire, discusses the interesting dynamic of playing for Lancashire, acknowledging his family's Yorkshire roots and his efforts to keep that under wraps during the "Rose game" against Yorkshire.
Experience in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Standard of Cricket: Luke highlights the high standard and competitiveness of cricket in the PSL, noting that while pitches this year were slightly less flat than in the past, the quality of overseas players like Kane Williamson, David Warner, and Daryl Mitchell demonstrates the league's strength.
Local Talent: He emphasizes the abundance of local talent, particularly fast bowlers, and observes the year-on-year progression of young players like Ali Raza, who took on a more significant role this season.
Personal Performance: Luke discusses his success in the PSL, where he took 11 wickets in 8 matches with an economy rate of 7.13. He attributes his effectiveness to the familiar conditions and how the pitches, being less bouncy, suit his bowling style.
"Cult Hero" Status: He acknowledges his "cult hero" status among Peshawar Zalmi fans due to his performances and expresses his enjoyment of the overall experience in Pakistan, including understanding the culture and the excellent care provided by the hosts despite security limitations.
Pakistani Fast Bowling Talent: Luke praises the overall strength of fast bowling in the PSL, considering it a main asset of the competition. He specifically commends Ali Raza for his mature bowling in tough overs and Ahmed Daniel for seizing his opportunities and showcasing his all-round skills, expressing pleasure at their recognition with Pakistan call-ups.
Playing Under Babar Azam: Luke speaks highly of Babar Azam as a leader, noting his dedication to the team despite external scrutiny over his runs. He emphasizes the respect Babar commands from his teammates and the positive experience of playing under his captaincy.
Saim Ayub's Potential: Luke discusses the high hopes for young opening batter Saim Ayub, acknowledging his immense talent despite some struggles during the middle of the competition. He stresses that Saim is still young and has significant time to learn and improve.
Bowling Style and Success: When asked about his secret to success despite being shorter than many fast bowlers, Luke suggests that his "under the radar" approach and the less bouncy pitches in Pakistan, which cause the ball to skid, particularly suit his bowling.
Upcoming Plans: Luke outlines his immediate future, including finishing the T20 Blast with Lancashire, playing in The Hundred for Spirit, and then awaiting decisions regarding upcoming England series against South Africa, Ireland, and New Zealand, which will determine his winter schedule.
Watch full interview with PakPassion here:
Key topics include:
Lancashire Season Update: Luke shares that Lancashire had a tough start to the season while he was away, but they've since hit a turning point, with the team in good spirits and results improving in both four-day and T20 formats. He also praises James Anderson's continued contribution and experience, noting his consistent performance in every game.
Playing for Lancashire as a Yorkshire Native: Luke, born in Yorkshire, discusses the interesting dynamic of playing for Lancashire, acknowledging his family's Yorkshire roots and his efforts to keep that under wraps during the "Rose game" against Yorkshire.
Experience in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Standard of Cricket: Luke highlights the high standard and competitiveness of cricket in the PSL, noting that while pitches this year were slightly less flat than in the past, the quality of overseas players like Kane Williamson, David Warner, and Daryl Mitchell demonstrates the league's strength.
Local Talent: He emphasizes the abundance of local talent, particularly fast bowlers, and observes the year-on-year progression of young players like Ali Raza, who took on a more significant role this season.
Personal Performance: Luke discusses his success in the PSL, where he took 11 wickets in 8 matches with an economy rate of 7.13. He attributes his effectiveness to the familiar conditions and how the pitches, being less bouncy, suit his bowling style.
"Cult Hero" Status: He acknowledges his "cult hero" status among Peshawar Zalmi fans due to his performances and expresses his enjoyment of the overall experience in Pakistan, including understanding the culture and the excellent care provided by the hosts despite security limitations.
Pakistani Fast Bowling Talent: Luke praises the overall strength of fast bowling in the PSL, considering it a main asset of the competition. He specifically commends Ali Raza for his mature bowling in tough overs and Ahmed Daniel for seizing his opportunities and showcasing his all-round skills, expressing pleasure at their recognition with Pakistan call-ups.
Playing Under Babar Azam: Luke speaks highly of Babar Azam as a leader, noting his dedication to the team despite external scrutiny over his runs. He emphasizes the respect Babar commands from his teammates and the positive experience of playing under his captaincy.
Saim Ayub's Potential: Luke discusses the high hopes for young opening batter Saim Ayub, acknowledging his immense talent despite some struggles during the middle of the competition. He stresses that Saim is still young and has significant time to learn and improve.
Bowling Style and Success: When asked about his secret to success despite being shorter than many fast bowlers, Luke suggests that his "under the radar" approach and the less bouncy pitches in Pakistan, which cause the ball to skid, particularly suit his bowling.
Upcoming Plans: Luke outlines his immediate future, including finishing the T20 Blast with Lancashire, playing in The Hundred for Spirit, and then awaiting decisions regarding upcoming England series against South Africa, Ireland, and New Zealand, which will determine his winter schedule.
Watch full interview with PakPassion here:
