23 March 2004	Tuesday	01 Safar 1425

LAHORE, March 22: Lack of aggression has let Indian pacers down in the ongoing one-day cricket series against Pakistan, feels Aaqib Javed. Their body language has not been positive, according to former Pakistan pacer and Under-19 World Cup 2004-winning coach.

"Indians have never been aggressive. Even Javagal Srinath, who often bowled at 90 mph, lacked necessary aggression. "Zaheer Khan struggled in first three games and Lakshmipathy Balaji is timid. The only exception has been Irfan Pathan who has it in him to be successful," Aaqib said.

Aaqib, who returned dream figures of seven for 37, including a hat trick, against India in Sharjah 1991-92, also feels bowlers have been "trying too much on batsmen-friendly wickets in ODI series which has led to huge tallies of Mr Extras.

"It's run-up up that gives you confidence. If you err there, it upsets entire rhythm. There shouldn't be no-balls at this level. "The wides also happen because of wrong wrist position. In first few overs one should concentrate only on natural swing and not try anything special," he observed.

To minimise no-balls and wides, Aaqib is even thinking of inculcating "take-off board used in long jump. It should be regarded as point of delivery. If you mark your run-up and run in there, you can get it right in just a couple of days."

Shoaib Akhtar, Aaqib feels, is struggling with rhythm. "He is going flat out for pace too early in the innings. "Pakistan's strategy should be simple: Shoaib is strike bowler, so the rest should only look to contain Indians.

"During our playing days, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis were strike bowlers and my role was not to give away more than 40 runs in 10 overs." Aaqib believes it is because of genetical, cultural and socio-economic factors that Pakistan have regularly produced quality fast bowlers. "We're generally tall and strongly built and that helps a lot.

"Besides, there is diet. Pakistanis eat lots of meat. You get lot of aggression from beef and red meat. "We also get to play a lot of tennis ball cricket at a young age. The lighter ball needs power to be thrown at a distance. It helps develop your muscles and gives flexibility to joints and ligaments," Aaqib observed.

"One also has role models to fall back on. I grew up idolising Imran Khan. Today's boys have Akram and Waqar to emulate. Among current lot, Shoaib is most famous. Fast bowling instils thrill and style," he said. -PPI