ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has urged India’s bowlers to stay patient against the top-order of Australia and not fall into the habit of dropping too short early in their spell.
Akram is well-renowned as one of the best fast bowlers ever, as he amassed 414 Test wickets throughout a superb 17-year Test career.
The left-arm pacer was one of the most accomplished experts of swing bowling and knows both Australia and India will get a great opportunity to extract plenty of movement from The Oval pitch after the one-off World Test Championship Final starts on Wednesday.
India’s pace bowling attack will be based around the experienced duo of Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami, with all-rounder Shardul Thakur an expected starter and Umesh Yadav and Jaydev Unadkat also in contention should selectors choose to play an extra seamer.
Wasim said on Monday that these players are experienced and they should not get carried away (with the new ball. All know it swings for ten to fifteen overs, so do not give away extra runs as a fast bowler in the first ten to fifteen overs.
He advised Indian bowlers not to get very excited if there is a bit of bounce because that is what the Australians want.
Wasim Akram’s Fine Record
Wasim had a glittering record bowling at most grounds around the world. However, at The Oval, he claimed his best Test figures in England after he took 6/67 in the 1st innings of the 5th and final Test of an epic series to lead his team to a memorable victory in 1992.
Wasim Akram and fellow pacer Waqar Younis troubled the England batsmen with their reverse swing in that series, and the Pakistan great is once again expecting swing to be an important factor in the World Test Championship Final.
