LAHORE, Jan 6: Former captain and pace bowler of Pakistan, Imran Khan has described Mohammad Sami as one of the world’s most promising fast bowlers but lacking the art of taking wickets.

“Sami is one of the world’s promising bowlers but he could not develop the art of taking wickets despite considerable time,” Imran, one of the world’s greatest fast bowlers of his era, remarked after giving Sami some bowling tips at the National Cricket Academy on Friday.

“In the beginning a fast bowler always tries to bowl fast and learn the art of taking wickets gradually but incidentally Sami could not do it despite having potential and talent,” Imran said.

Although, Imran did not directly suggest the need of a bowling coach for the team but hinted by saying “such tips for the fast bowlers are necessary since the Pakistan captain (Inzamamul Haq) and coach (Bob Woolmer) are basically batsmen.”

He also stressed that Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, two former great bowlers, should also give some tips to the fast bowlers.

“The fast bowling department is the strength of Pakistan and the current weather of the country is the best for fast bowlers to perform and it will help our bowlers to bowl out Indians twice in a match,” he said.

However, he added, he could not say how much the weather would disrupt the matches.

Imran agreed that Indian pacer Irfan Pathan was also among the best promising bowlers and was in a position to perform better under such conditions.

Imran was all praise for Inzamamul Haq and said all credit went to the skipper for reviving Pakistan cricket.

“I think the current revival of Pakistan cricket is due to Inzamam. When a captain performs under difficult situation the other players also do that and that is the main factor which made the team united,” he said.

The cricketer-turned politician also praised Shoaib Akhtar’s current form and claimed the bowler had never been a problem.

“I have been saying there is no problem with Shoaib Akhtar but it is the management which cannot handle the player properly,” he said.

Like Indian captain Rahul Dravid, Imran was also in favour of series between Pakistan and India on the pattern of Ashes (Australia-England).

“There must be a specific format of cricket activities between the two countries like Ashes to keep the fans’ interest alive,” he said.

He urged the need for a specialist opening pair for the Pakistan team.