‘Pakistan can win without Irfan’

Bowling coach Akram optimistic of chances in Asia Cup.

KARACHI: Reposing faith in the available bowlers, Pakistan bowling coach Mohammad Akram feels that the team has the firepower to earn good results in the Asia Cup and the ICC World Twenty20 even without the injured fast bowler Mohammad Irfan. 

Irfan was ruled out of the two tournaments after the recurrence of a hip injury that kept him out of the tour of South Africa and the last home series against Sri Lanka.

The tall fast bowler became a vital cog of the bowling attack and his absence has been seen as a huge blow for Pakistan ahead of the important events.

Akram though, while speaking to the media during the training camp in Lahore Thursday, downplayed his absence from the two events.

“Irfan is our asset but that doesn’t mean we cannot win without him,” said the former Test pacer.

“We played without him in South Africa and won. As the bowling coach, I feel lucky to have so many match-winning bowlers.”

He also dismissed the notion that Irfan was mishandled by team management during the home series against South Africa.

Meanwhile, Akram said Umar Gul, who recovered from a prolonged knee injury, was improving with each passing day and added that the presence of the experienced fast bowler was a motivation for other bowlers.

“Mohammad Talha has also been very impressive in the training camp,” he said.

The bowling coach believes that the team has a good combination of pace and spin attack.

“Spin has been our main strength while on the other hand the fast bowlers have also been playing their part.”

Pakistan can become number one: Abbas    

The team’s chief consultant Zaheer Abbas, who is assisting batsmen in the camp, feels that the team can reach the top by improving in the batting department.

The ‘Asian Bradman’ claimed he was not trying to bring major changes in the techniques of the players, adding that the process will take time to yield good results.

“I don’t have a magic wand but I am doing my best to assist them with my experience. I am stressing on the sense of responsibility among them,” he concluded.

On the other hand seasoned all-rounder Shahid Afridi received a cut on right cheek during third day of the training camp.

Afridi was hit by a delivery from fast bowler Junaid Khan during a batting session just before the conclusion of the evening session. The all-rounder is set to return to training today.

Dhoni ruled out of Asia Cup

India captain MS Dhoni has been ruled out of the Asia Cup in Bangladesh due to a side strain, according to ESPNcricinfo. Star batsman Virat Kohli will lead the side in his absence and Dinesh Karthik would be included in the team as a replacement for the wicket-keeper, batsman.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 21^st, 2014.

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