'Cash in on India's middle-order vulnerability': Wasim Akram advises Pakistan

Veteran Wasim Akram has advised Mohammed Aamir-led Pakistan’s pace bowling attack to target the ‘vulnerable’ Indian middle order when the two arch-rivals face off in the much awaited World Cup clash on Sunday

Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram has advised Mohammed Aamir-led Pakistan’s pace bowling attack to target the ‘vulnerable’ Indian middle order when the two arch-rivals face off in the much awaited World Cup clash on Sunday. Akram was recently announced as a Brand Ambassador of Euro T20 Slam in Dublin. Speedster Amir bagged exceptional figures of 5/30 against Australia albeit in a lost cause. Akram feels that Amir, who is now a senior bowler, should lead the youngsters to bowl well and identify the chinks in India’s middle-order batting lineup. "India have a solid top order. Not only there is Virat (Kohli) but there's also Rohit (Sharma). But I have a feeling that middle order isn't that settled. Pakistan bowlers should try to cash in on that aspect," Akram told PTI during a recent interaction. Hero of many Indo-Pak cricketing battles, Akram, feels Aamir's presence in the side is a big positive feels Akram. "I don't know why did they drop Aamir in the first place. His presence even when he is not at his best is important. He is a senior bowler now and I believe he has a duty to guide the youngsters," Akram said. He has confidence in Babar Azam but wouldn't like comparisons with Virat Kohli. "Babar Azam is a very talented batsman and it's good to see his consistency. He shouldn't be compared to Virat and let him play freely." The 'Sultan of Swing' is however disappointed that young fast bowlers these days don't know the use of wrists. "Aajkal ke ladke wrists kahaan maarte hain. (Bowlers nowadays don't use their wrists). How do you even expect bowlers to get swing?" he questioned. The legendary bowler is of the opinion that the white Dukes used during the 1999 edition was better for seamers. "The seam of the kookaburra ball is not pronounced and I have always found Dukes to be the best ball. I don't know why the ICC had done away with the Duke Whites. Those balls would have certainly swung more," Akram said.