Pakistan ace Gul is big influence on Bradford paceman Ashraf (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Pakistan ace Gul is big influence on Bradford paceman Ashraf

6:41pm Monday 8th October 2012 in Sport By Graham Hardcastle

Bradford's Moin Ashraf is relishing the prospect of facing role model Umar Gul when Yorkshire take on Uva Next in their opening Champions League t20 qualifier tomorrow.

Pace bowler Ashraf, 20, was a revelation in this summer's Friends Life t20 competition, picking up 15 wickets from 12 matches and causing batsmen endless problems with his yorkers.

It was his breakthrough campaign, and he puts a lot of it down to studying the way Pakistan international Gul goes about his business.

"I love watching him bowl, especially when he bowls his yorkers," revealed Ashraf, who is determined not to give an inch against his more experienced opponent.

"I didn't model myself on him, but I have watched him a lot and have aimed to emulate his style of bowling. I've seen him bat as well. He had a terrific innings against South Africa in the World Twenty20, so I know where not to bowl to him.

"He's a good player, but hopefully we can get hold of him and he misses a few of his yorkers."

Gul is one of five overseas players in the Uva squad, the others being Jacob Oram, Andrew McDonald, Fawad Alam and Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Only four can play.