I can help spinners too: Akram

Pakistan’s bowling coach says his role not restricted to fast-bowlers.

KARACHI: Calls for appointing a spin-bowling coach gathered momentum given Pakistan’s over-reliance on slow bowlers of late but the team’s recently appointed bowling coach, former fast-bowler Mohammad Akram, is confident his skills and supervision will not be restricted to the pacers only.

Former captain Rashid Latif identified Saqlain Mushtaq as an ideal candidate to be added to the coaching panel but Akram, who joined the squad in the UAE on Sunday, confirmed that while he will not shy away from seeking assistance from former greats, the basics of coaching remained the same.

“We have experienced and quality spinners in the side and, if needed, I will request former greats to give their input,” Akram told The Express Tribune. “However, the basics are the same and even I can help out in that department. Everyone knows that all bowlers, no matter who you are, need to pitch the ball in the right area to expect a wicket. It’s as simple as that.

“I’ve been appointed the bowling coach, not just the fast-bowling coach but I will not feel embarrassed if I need to seek someone else’s help with this.”

Pakistan’s spin contingent for the One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia comprises Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Mohammad Hafeez – the current top-ranked ODI bowler – as well as Azhar Ali who can bowl leg-spin.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2012.