Wasim seeks Yasir?s inclusion in Pakistan?s ODI squad

Former captain and 'Swing Ka Sultan' Wasim Akram has suggested that Pakistan should include Yasir Shah in the playing side for the upcoming matches against England, which poses a strong batting line up.

“In past, while in England, we played Mushtaq. Imran bhai played Abdul Qadir in the team, because leg-spinners can be useful in such conditions,” he said while talking exclusively to Geo News in Southampton after the 1st ODI.

England defeated Pakistan by 44 runs on D/L method after rain interrupted England’s chase of 261 runs twice.

Wasim added that Imad Wasim and Mohammad Nawaz are good bowlers with batting advantage, but both of them are bowlers of similar style.

 “You don’t need bowlers to ball dot-balls in middle, you need wicket taking bowlers in middle overs as well, and such a bowler is Yasir Shah. So, Pakistan must utilise his abilities,” the former captain said.

On question about Azhar’s captaincy, Wasim said that Azhar needs to learn how to exploit opponent’s weakness, hoping that the young captain will learn from his experience with time.

Commenting on Pakistan’s loss in 1st ODI against England, Wasim said the team is young and inexperienced, and he’ll give them a benefit of doubt for this defeat, but added that players will have to work really hard for the remaining matches.

“I think England outplayed us in every department, batting, bowling, fielding. We started off well, Azhar scored 82 but then he got out at the wrong time, he should have stayed till end and transform his 80s into century,”

“Malik and Sarfaraz were looking good but then rain interruption broke the momentum and we lost two quick wickets which restricted us from posting a better score,” he added.

Wasim looked unhappy with Sharjeel Khan as well and said that the flamboyant opening batsman must learn that every team is not Ireland.

“Sharjeel’s innings against Ireland was brilliant without any doubt, but he must realize that every team is not Ireland and he can not pull every delivery which is coming at 90mph,”

“England knew what Sharjeel’s weak points were, they did their homework properly to get Sharjeel out quickly,” said Akram.