India vs. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755: Shoaib Akhtar a shadow of his former self
According to a Pakistani newspaper, Pakistan’s express pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar is definitely not what he used to be. According to reports, the pacer is showing signs of fatigue while bowling in the nets.
Akhtar was seen limping back to his mark almost after every over, while he was practicing in the nets. According to the scribe, the Rawalpindi Express while sprinting towards fellow batsman Mohammad Hafeez, bolted a quick delivery which was easily played
by the batsman. Almost after every delivery the pacer was seen standing for a few minutes to catch his breath. If Akhtar is fit then he is doing a great job in hiding the fire inside him for the big bash against India.
Akhtar who was believed to be a key pacer in the Pakistan bowling arsenal has not featured in the last three matches of the national team, where all three contests were won by Pakistan, including victories against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760.
The last time that Akhtar played in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2011 was against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Taylor-c92915. Akhtar’s
horrible touch with the ball convinced the team management to drop him from the next matches.
However, final word on Akhtar’s status has not been released as skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482 has reiterated in many of his interviews that he would like to play a Shoaib Akhtar fit enough to bowl ten overs.
Two weeks ago, the phenomenal bowler announced that he would be retiring from International cricket after the ICC World Cup 2011. But even after his announcement, the team did not show any interest in including him in the playing eleven.
Pakistan’s former legends, Imran Khan and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/March-c74391 30. Imran believes that if Akhtar can bowl four to five overs then he should be included
in the team, as the pacer is a wicket taking bowler and the only way Pakistan will win against India is by playing bowlers who can take wickets.
Akram, the king of reverse swing also backs http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Imran-c64193 Khan and believes that Akhtar’s inclusion in the do or die match against the arch rivals is imperative for the men in green.
Nonetheless, last week a source in the touring management on condition of anonymity revealed that Akhtar had lost interest in cricket and was in no shape to take part in the crucial match against the host country India. “He has lost interest after he announced
his retirement. He barely takes part in the team’s training sessions and if http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Khan-c71319 knew his situation, he would not have given such an advice,” he disclosed.
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