Champions Trophy semi-final against England changed my life: Rumman Raees

Pakistan pacer Rumman Raees has revealed that his solitary appearance during his side's Champions Trophy clash against hosts England has taken his career to another level.

Raees was called into the national ODI squad as replacement for injured Mohammad Amir in a crucial semi-final clash against England. He did justice to his selection as he went on to claim two wickets by conceding just 44 runs during their eight-wicket win over arguably the most devastating batting attack in 50-over cricket.

And the 25-year-old believes that his ODI appearance against the Joe Root-led side is the main reason behind him being signed up by county side Durham.

"That one match has taken my career to another level. It has helped me a lot, but that one performance has years of hard work behind it," the Express Tribune quoted Raees, as saying.

Although the last-four clash against England was Raees only ODI game, it is believed that he had already caught the national selectors' eyes with some impressive performances for Islamabad United during the second edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

"The PSL helped me boost my performance and earn a place in the national side. And then that match helped me take another step in my career," he said.

Raees, who is now all set to play for Durham in the NatWest T20 Blast competition, has said that he is looking forward to impress in England, and that he already has an eye on the 2019 World Cup.

"The World Cup will be held in England, so playing county cricket there and getting used to the conditions will help me a lot," he concluded.