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| 26 November 2004 | Friday | 13 Shawwal 1425 |
Australian tour a real test: Imran
LAHORE, Nov 25: Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan predicted on Thursday that the Australian tour will be a real 'test' of Pakistan batsmen.
"Our batsmen have to adjust to local conditions quickly, otherwise they will not be able to face a well disciplined Australian' bowling", Imran said while talking to journalists.
Pakistan team leaves for Australia on Sunday to play three Test match series, starting form Dec 16 and later will feature in tri-series, also involving the West Indies. The former skipper pointed out that it was true that bowlers win matches but in addition to that batsmen also have to set a good target for the opponents.
He remarked that the team would benefit immensely from the tour as it would make them an improved side to meet India in India next year. Imran advised pace man Shoaib Akhtar to reduce his run-up, without making the speed of the ball slow, if he wanted a long international career.
"No doubt, speed is Shoaib's main weapon and he should use it with full force but my advice is that he should reduce his run up to keep his energy in store for longer spells", he said.
He supported the idea of taking help from bio-mechanics in order to determine suspect bowling action. Commenting on PCB's offer of awarding central contracts to the players, Imran said that it was a good but he feared it could have some adverse affect also.
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