Pakistan can beat India in Tests: Wasim Akram

Legendary pacer Wasim Akram on Monday, claimed that Pakistan would beat India if the two arch-rivals lock horns in a Test series on spinning pitches.

The pacer's remarks came while commentating on the first ODI of the three-match series between Pakistan and Australia as the cricketing fraternity discussed the contrasting fortunes of the neigbouring nations.

Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan, while commentating on the aforementioned fixture alongside Wasim, expressed his desire of witnessing the fierce rivals colliding in a Test series

Wasim, in response, said it will be good for the sport.

"It will be massive. It will be good for the game, for two cricket-crazy nations," said Wasim.

Vaughan, while continuing the conversation, suggested that Pakistan can now beat India.

"Pakistan can now beat India on the turners," said Vaughan.

Wasim Akram backed Vaughan's assertion and highlighted India's recent Test series whitewash at home against New Zealand.

"Pakistan have a chance to beat India in Tests now on a spinning track. They have been hammered by New Zealand 3-0 at home," Wasim remarked.

Remember, Pakistan, showcasing their spin prowess, made an astounding comeback to clinch the three-match Test series against England last month.

After being humbled by England in the opening fixture, the green shirts made major changes to their squad, which included resting key players like Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The home side brought in spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, who took 39 out of the 40 wickets to fall in the remaining two Tests, to lead Pakistan to their first home Test series victory since 2021.

India, on the other hand, succumbed to their first-ever 3-0 home Test series whitewash on Sunday as New Zealand capitalized on their weakness of tackling spin.

New Zealand spinners claimed 37 out of 57 wickets, courtesy of Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips.

It is worth mentioning that arch-rivals Pakistan and India last played a Test series in 2008.

'Multan pitch'Australian commentator Kerry O'Keefe stoked controversy with his remark, "This is not Multan Pitch, Baby; it's the MCG," mocking Ghulam's inability to handle the pace. Fans took to social media to condemn the comment as distasteful, seeing it as an unnecessary dig at the Pakistani batter.

Further controversy arose when Wasim Akram and Michael Vaughan discussed Ghulam's family background, noting that he was the 11th of 12 brothers and four sisters. Vaughan's remark about the family size was met with criticism, as fans deemed the conversation disrespectful and irrelevant to the game.

Wasim Akram: "Kamran Ghulam, comes from a big family, he is the 11th of 12 brothers and 4 sisters. Yup."

Michael Vaughan: "16 Kids. Wow! What's the age gap, that's of interest.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan was the standout performer, narrowly missing his half-century, scoring 44 off 71 balls. Naseem Shah also added crucial runs, scoring 40 off 39 deliveries which also included four massive sixes. However, the rest of the batting lineup faltered, with few able to withstand Australia's relentless bowling attack.

Kamran Ghulam, who had raised expectations after a remarkable century in Pakistan's recent Test against England, fell for just 5 runs. Facing Pat Cummins' sharp bouncer, Ghulam attempted a risky shot and was dismissed early, sparking a stir both on the field and off.