Do ‘tit for tat’ in all departments to beat England: Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram feels that the best way to counter the England side, that is really strong at home, is to adopt the ‘tit for tat’ approach in all three departments of the game.

The 50-year-old said that England had a good run in the international arena over the last 18 months beating South Africa in South Africa, being the runners-up in the World T20 in India and winning the Test and ODI series against Sri Lanka, which makes them a tough opposition to beat.

“England have shown remarkable confidence in the last 18 months, beating South Africa in South Africa, qualifying for the final of the World Twenty20 and winning against Sri Lanka, so they will be tough to beat,” said Akram. “For me, the only way is to do ‘tit for tat’ in all departments of the game if you want to beat them.”

He also added that the batting department is the huge concern for Pakistan as they are over dependent on the veteran batsmen Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq. Akram said that he doesn’t believe that the opinion that the July and August will be the best time for batsmen in England as the pitches will be dry.

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“Pakistan’s batting line-up, with its over-reliance on veterans Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq, both in the twilight of their careers, would be their biggest concern,” he said.

“It will be a tough ask for Pakistan batsmen,” he said. “I don’t buy the opinion that July and August will be dry so the pitches will be easier, no, there will be difficulties for batsmen as the Duke ball swings more and the edges carry to the slips,” he added.

The ‘Sultan of Swing’ also pointed out that if Yasir Shah is fit to play, the bowling duo of Mohammad Amir and Yasir would be a great threat for any opposition.

“Amir can be the leader of the pack, which also has a quality leg spinner in Yasir Shah. I think if Shah is fit he can be the trump card in a varied bowling attack,” he signed-off.

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