No easy sailing for Pakistan in Bangladesh: Ramiz Raja

Former Test captain says hosts can bat better than the visitors

KARACHI: Former Test captain Ramiz Raja cautioned Pakistan team to not take the hosts Bangladesh lightly in the upcoming series starting later in April, reported Press Trust of India.

"Let me tell you clearly that Bangladesh looked a changed and more confident side in the World Cup and their batting was better than us," said Ramiz.

"So I don't think the coming limited over games are going to be easy sailing for us in Bangladesh. We should expect a close series."

Read: Bangladesh favourite against Pakistan, says Shakib

Ramiz also commented on Saeed Ajmal's comeback saying his effectiveness with ball may have been marred by a change in his natural action.

"Once a bowler's bowling action is called and he undergoes tests then I don’t recall if such a bowler has managed to comeback strongly in international cricket. It will not be easy for Saeed to make a comeback and enjoy the same success. But selecting him was the proper thing to do as he has to be tested sooner or later."

He added that Pakistan need to go back to their instinctively aggressive style of play.

"Playing aggressive and attacking cricket, taking wickets and scoring runs quickly has been our DNA but in the World Cup I was disappointed not to see this except for the game against South Africa.

"We need to change with time and play one-day cricket aggressively and fearlessly."

Wasim commends Wahab

Meanwhile, former captain and legendary fast-bowler Wasim Akram supported the appointment of Azhar Ali as captain and Sarfraz as vice-captain in two formats.

"It is a sensible decision and Azhar should be supported," said Wasim.

"Pakistan cricket has talent and it is good to see new players coming in. But also need to change our approach and play differently now."

He further commended the presence of express paced bowlers in the Pakistan squad.

"Our pace attack is our strength and I think Wahab Riaz has the potential to become one of the Ws," he said.

Yousuf backs youngsters

Another former captain Muhammad Yousuf welcomed the presence of youngsters in the squad.

"Now we need to move ahead and give maximum exposure to those players who are technically strong and committed to raising their game," said Yousuf.

"We shouldn't go back to the tried and tested players after one or two failures as has happened in the past."

He added that Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad should not be written off completely.

"They have lot of talent and they must be made to play domestic cricket and only considered for national selection once they became technically stronger. Their problem is their batting has technical flaws which they need to sort out before playing international cricket again."

 

The story originally appeared on NDTV.com