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| January 13, 2007 | Saturday | Zilhaj 22, 1427 |
Pakistan must remain belligerent: Wasim
KARACHI, Jan 12: Former cricket great Wasim Akram said on Friday that if Pakistan play with passion and aggression they can outdo rivals India and beat South Africa on their tough tour.
“I was surprised to see India low on passion and aggression after winning the first Test,” Wasim said in an interview.
“Pakistan can fare better than India because they have more passion and aggression in their cricket,” he added.
The 40-year-old former all-rounder, who retired in 2003, was in the commentary team in the series which South Africa won 2-1 against India earlier this month.
His comments came at the start of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa.
Wasim said India relied heavily on star batsman Sachin Tendulkar and skipper Rahul Dravid who failed to shine with the bat.
“I was surprised to see Sachin so low on passion and he was negative in his batting. In fact, India looked afraid in the last Test and Pakistan should avoid such an approach,” he said.
Wasim, who took 414 Test and a world record of 502 one-day wickets during an illustrious career, said fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar could be the key for Pakistan.
Shoaib, who was not selected in the original squad over a fitness problem, has now been sent to join the team in South Africa and should be available for the second Test.
“He can be a crucial factor in helping Pakistan win,” Wasim opined.
Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq should have pushed for Shoaib’s inclusion, Wasim said.
“Inzamam had led the team well but I think he should know where his priorities lie and he should have fought for Shoaib because he is a proven match winner,” he stated.
Wasim also praised Indian paceman Shanthakumaran Sreesanth. “Sreesanth showed how much aggression you need to be successful in South Africa and proved a successful bowler for India,” he expressed.—AFP
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