Akram Fired Up For England Tour
Ace Pakistani paceman Wasim Akram has no intention of retiring and has made it clear he
is as fired up as he has ever been for his country's upcoming tour of England.
"I'm really geared up for this tour," Akram, 35, told pressmen after his selection had been
announced late on Saturday, "possibly because I know this will be my last visit to England
with Pakistan."I have played most of my cricket in England and I love playing there," He added.
Pakistan leaves for England on May 2 and Akram is one of the 17 players named by Pakistan for
the tour. The tourists are due to play two Tests and a tri-nation ODI series, which will also
include Australia.
There have been reports, meanwhile, that differences exist between Akram and Pakistan
captain Waqar Younis, but Akram dismissed them.
"I don't believe in discussing rumours, he said, "so I can't comment on whether my selection
was contentious or whether Younis has spoken out against me.
"Let's just say we've played a lot of cricket together and we'll continue to play with each other.
I've always found it exciting to bowl with him."
Akram missed Pakistan's last four Tests due to fitness problems.
"It happens to every fast bowler and its not because of my age," he said.
Akram and Younis have shared more than 700 wickets between them and formed an especially
lethal pace attack during the 90s. Together they were the single greatest reason for England's
defeats on the 1992 and 1996 tours - Akram took 23 and 11 wickets, Younis's 22 and 16.
"I have a fair amount of experience of playing in English conditions and will do my best to help
the side to win again," he said.
Pakistan won their last three series in England, but lost last year's home series 1-0 to Nasser
Hussain's England team.
"We'll be going this time with a young and inexperienced team, but all the players are fighters
and I hope we can win the series although the wet climate will certainly favour England," he
concluded.
courtesy cricketline
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