Wasim warns of NZ backlash
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram still confident of Pakistan’s success on the tour.
KARACHI:
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has warned Pakistan not to take New Zealand for granted despite the recent series whitewash the Kiwis faced against Bangladesh and India.
The Kiwis, who will be hosting Pakistan for three Twenty20s, two Tests and six One-Day Internationals (ODIs), have suffered back-to-back ODI whitewashes to Bangladesh and India besides losing the Test series to India.
“New Zealand have been hammered but they would be a different side at home and it will be tough for Pakistan,” the former captain told reporters in Karachi. “The conditions in New Zealand are different and it would not be an easy series for the visitors.”
Akram, however, felt that Pakistan was capable of beating the Kiwis in their own backyard. “Pakistan have the ability, their performance against South Africa was satisfactory. The players just need support,” he said adding that the presence of Younus Khan and captain Misbahul Haq has made Pakistan a good Test side. “The team has an experienced captain and Younus’ return is a boost.”
The former captain felt there was a miscommunication over the omission of Mohammad Yousuf in the Test squad. “The selectors say he is not fit but he told me he has no injury. There is miscommunication which needs to be settled.
‘Lorgat’s comment inappropriate’
Although Akram refrained from talking about the spot-fixing controversy, he did not mince his words in criticising the International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat’s comment on the matter when the South African said he would be “disappointed” if the trio were not found guilty.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 16th, 2010.
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has warned Pakistan not to take New Zealand for granted despite the recent series whitewash the Kiwis faced against Bangladesh and India.
The Kiwis, who will be hosting Pakistan for three Twenty20s, two Tests and six One-Day Internationals (ODIs), have suffered back-to-back ODI whitewashes to Bangladesh and India besides losing the Test series to India.
“New Zealand have been hammered but they would be a different side at home and it will be tough for Pakistan,” the former captain told reporters in Karachi. “The conditions in New Zealand are different and it would not be an easy series for the visitors.”
Akram, however, felt that Pakistan was capable of beating the Kiwis in their own backyard. “Pakistan have the ability, their performance against South Africa was satisfactory. The players just need support,” he said adding that the presence of Younus Khan and captain Misbahul Haq has made Pakistan a good Test side. “The team has an experienced captain and Younus’ return is a boost.”
The former captain felt there was a miscommunication over the omission of Mohammad Yousuf in the Test squad. “The selectors say he is not fit but he told me he has no injury. There is miscommunication which needs to be settled.
‘Lorgat’s comment inappropriate’
Although Akram refrained from talking about the spot-fixing controversy, he did not mince his words in criticising the International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat’s comment on the matter when the South African said he would be “disappointed” if the trio were not found guilty.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 16th, 2010.