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| August 17, 2006 | Thursday | Rajab 21, 1427 |
Pakistan missed Shoaib Akhtar in Tests: Azhar
LONDON, Aug 16: Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, currently playing for Surrey in the English County Championship, says the absence of a tearaway fast bowler in the touring side has given hosts England the upper hand in the four-Test series.
“Both teams have had injury problems, specially with their fast bowlers, but England have found good back-up while Pakistan have struggled throughout,” said Azhar while talking to BBC Sports here on Wednesday.
“Shoaib Akhtar has definitely been missed because he is a match-winner.
“Against England in Pakistan late last year, leg-spinner Danish Kaneria bowled well in tandem with Shoaib,” said Azhar.
“Shoaib put pressure on England's batsmen from one end and they went for runs against Danish instead and he got quite a few wickets.”
Azhar, still only 28 years of age, has not appeared for Pakistan in more than two years. At Surrey, though, the Rawalpindi-born cricketer has made waves with his fine swing bowling and impressive batting.
“People say I have left international cricket but I want to assure them I am just waiting for my chance to play for Pakistan,” said Azhar in a sharp, confident tone.
“I would love to be part of the solution and I have no idea why I'm not in the team.”
Looking fit, the talented all-rounder also had a piece of advice for his teammates on the eve of the final Test.
“I have played at The Oval for the last five years and to take wickets you need to be patient and find that channel outside off stump, rather than bowling both sides of the wicket,” explained Azhar.
Commenting on his own chances of making a comeback to the national side, Azhar said it could happen sooner than most people thought. “I think I've got a chance to get back into the side for the Pakistan-England one-day series, both because of the injuries and also because I'm good enough to play international cricket.”—Agencies
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