KARACHI, July 5: Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan has backed Inzamamul Haq’s men to win this fall’s home Test and ODI series against England. Speaking to reporters at a Meet-the-Press programme on Tuesday, Imran said that Pakistan have been performing well since the start of this year and should beat visiting England in both the Test and ODI series.

The cricketer-turned-politician said that Pakistan have gelled well under Inzamam and came out with several good performances on away tours against India and the West Indies earlier this year.

He said that Inzamam has emerged as a very good captain and that is one of the reasons behind the improvement in the national team’s performance this year. He pointed out that the burly batsman from Multan has led from the front and has produced several match-winning innings in recent months.

Imran also praised the team’s vice captain Younis Khan saying that the middle-order batsman has also matured and has become an important member of the Pakistani squad.

He felt that the Pakistani selectors should recall fiery paceman Shoaib Akhtar for the series against England. Imran said that Shoaib is a potential match-winner and should be back in the national squad.

Imran said that Pakistan can pose a very balanced pace attack if Shoaib is recalled and Mohammad Sami gets fit again in time for the series against England.

The legendary cricketer said that the fast bowlers would hold the key for Pakistan in the series. Imran added that another big plus for Pakistan would be leg-spinner Danish Kaneria.—Agencies