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| January 10, 2006 | Tuesday | Zilhaj 9, 1426 |
Bowlers may give Pakistan advantage, says Sarfraz
ISLAMABAD, Jan 9: Pakistan will hold advantage over India in the coming cricket series should the wickets suit their bowlers, former Test star Sarfraz Nawaz said on Monday.
“Pakistan will have 70-30 percent advantage if greentop wickets are prepared to suit their quick bowlers,” Sarfraz claimed while speaking at the “Meet the Press” programme of Rawalpindi-Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA).
“Even if slow wickets are used for the India series, Pakistan will have an upper hand courtesy spinners”, Sarfraz said. “In case of batting-friendly tracks, India will be in a better position.”
He predicted that fast bowler Shoaib Akhter would prove the difference against India if he stayed fit. “I think he will be the most destructive bowler for Pakistan against the Indians if there is no injury problem for him.”
Shoaib and Shabbir could form a lethal bowling combination in world cricket if the latter’s bowling action regarding his “armbend” was corrected, said Sarfraz who is currently helping the banned pacer with his bowling action.
“Shabbir is determined to correct his action and get back to the competitive cricket,” Sarfraz said, pointing out that ICC had allowed the bowler to bend his arm by 16 degrees instead of prescribed 15 degrees because of congenital defect in his bowling arm.
“It was 17 degrees bend during one delivery which led to his being reported by the umpires and consequent ban,” he said, expressing confidence that he would succeed in correcting Shabbir’s action.
The former paceman said he had also applied for a bowling coach’s job in response to an advertisement by Pakistan Cricket Board.—APP
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