Skipper Inzamam 'depressed' after Imran's criticism
MELBOURNE, Jan 7: Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq has admitted feeling depressed after former captain Imran Khan described his leadership as "spineless".
Pakistan's all-time second-leading Test run-scorer, the 34-year-old Inzamam made one and nought in the first Test against Australia, then missed the next two matches with a back injury.
Australia won the third Test by nine wickets in Sydney this week to sweep the series. "I'm definitely depressed but hopefully I will perform well in the one-day series," Inzamam told reporters.
Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer said Imran's description of his team as "spineless" was incorrect. Imran told a Melbourne Radio Station on Thursday: "What I think is disappointing is the spineless manner in which they have played, the lack of fighting qualities, no leadership, no plans.
"It's the mis-match that has been greatly disappointing. People expected a bit more of a fight. "Perhaps he (Inzamam) should have played the last Test because, with a back injury, I can understand a fast bowler missing out, but a batsman missing out I think is disappointing," added Pakistan's 1992 World Cup-winning captain who played 88 Tests.
"I played as captain so many times with injuries because if the team is inexperienced they need you." Pakistan play Australia A in a warm-up match on Jan 12 in Adelaide before the triangular one-day series, which starts on Jan 14 when Australia host West Indies in Melbourne. -AFP
