Pakistan to counter Sri Lanka's spin with Akhtar's pace attack

From ANI

Karachi, Dec.21: Pakistan cricket team is not much worried of the Lankan spin duo of Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis as it looks to counter the spin attack with its pace bowling.

Pakistan pace department is bolstered by the return of the enigmatic Shoaib Akhtar.

Coach Intikhab Alam has huge hope from the pace battery.

"Shoaib will be our key man. He is back and is now full of confidence. I see him as a completely changed man, who can be an asset for the team," The News quoted Alam, as saying.

Shoaib Akhtar is all set to stage a comeback in the playing arena after a long gap. He has spent the best part of the last few seasons on the sidelines either due to injury or suspension.

Pakistan pace department is further strengthened by the return of Umar Gul and Sohail Tanvir. However, the national side will be missing the duty of its chief strike bowler Mohammad Asif, who is currently battling a legal battle to avoid a doping ban.

Inorder to make test cricket result oriented and interesting, Alam stressed on playing on a sporty track.

"We should have good, cricketing wickets which are result-oriented," he said.

However, he maintained that lack of match practice for his team will be a matter of concern as Pakistan has not played a single test match this year.


Copyright Asian News International/DailyIndia.com