Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has aided opener Fakhar Zaman to make an impact in the test cricket after the uncapped player was named in the Test squad for the upcoming series against England and Ireland.
Akram believes that inclusion of Fakhar Zaman in the test squad is a big thing and hopes that the aggressive 28-year-old southpaw can put pressure on their opposition like David Warner do for Australia and Virender Sehwag did for India.
“Fakhar Zaman in the Test squad is a big thing. Maybe like Warner and Sehwag, he can put pressure on the opposition. In England, the Dukes ball makes it ideal conditions for the bowlers,” Sport24 quoted Akram, as saying.
Inzamam-ul-Haq’s nephew Imam-ul-Haq, Usman Salahuddin, Saad Ali, and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf are the other four uncapped members to have received maiden Test call-ups.
Akram also backed chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq’s decision to exclude Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) top performer Wahab Riaz. He believes that the left armer has not done enough to earn a recall into the national squad.
“Wahab bowled well in PSL but PSL is different from Test cricket. He’s been expensive, though he does get wickets but he isn’t consistent. I think the way Rahat is bowling now means he’ll be a better option, he’s swinging the ball at pace,” Akram said.
Pakistan are slated to play Ireland in their inaugural test from 11 May, after the European nation became the full member of ICC on 22nd June, 2017. The Sarfraz Ahmed led-side will next square off against England for two-match test series, beginning May 24.
(With ANI Inputs)
