Former Test cricketers hail Pakistan’s triumph

KARACHI—Several former Test cricketers Saturday hailed Pakistan’s 2-0 Test series triumph against England and described it a great feat under Inzamam-ul-Haq.
“Beating Ashes winning English team is incredible and this win can be rated as one of the best in recent times,” former Pakistan Captain and Asian Bradman Zaheer Abbas said.
“It must be heart warming for the nation and start of new era (in Pakistan cricket). Its commanding win by Inzamam’s team. Shoaib Akhtar, Kaneria, Muhammad Yousuf and Kamran Akmal did commending job,” Zaheer who scored double hundred twice against in England said.
“If team is united and their body language is positive it can bring glory and honour for the country,”. Even fast bowler Shoaib’s attitude was very heartening and he looked like playing for the country,” master batsman said.
He however pointed out that Pakistan needed a regular opening pair and batsman at number three spot and they must improve their fielding to become world beater. He also complimented coach Bob Woolmer and declared that he played key role in team’s success.
Former wicketkeeper batsman Taslim Arif rated Pakistan’s win against England by 2-0 margin a great feat. “Its definitely a combined effort and team must be complimented along with coach Woolmer.
“Shoaib Akhtar’s turn around sets the trend. If he can discipline himself and showed same commitment he can put himself along with bowling greats. “He (Shoaib Akhtar) must come out of his glamorous image and if he maintains the same vigour it can change Pakistan team’s fortunes,” he stressed.
He said that discipline in bowling rather then speed brought Shoaib a success. “A positive approach has led Pakistan to a well deserved victory. Its a great team effort and bowlers showed their class after a mammoth total,” former Test paceman Jalaluddin said.
“Shoaib Akhtar and Danish Kaneria really produced a match winning performance at a crucial time,” he maintained. He said overall England batting was disappointing and they failed to adjust in Pakistan conditions,”.
Jalaluddin said the victory was a result of unity and cohesion in the team and it will have a good impact on the future of Pakistan cricket. He said besides Inzamam and his team, coach Bob Woolmer must also be commended for team’s success because of his brain behind this win.
“Its was an amazing series win as pundits of the game had already written off the host for series. Pakistan team really proved their class in all departments of the game and each and every member of the team deserved the credit for the victory, another former Pakistan pacer Rashid Khan said.
He however pointed out that Pakistan needed a regular opening pair and batsman at number three spot and they must improve their fielding to become world beater. He also complimented coach Bob Woolmer and declared that he played key role in team’s success.
He said winning Ashes series at home grounds by England was different but the touring side failed to acclimatized on Pakistan conditions. “Skipper Inzamam led from the front and his bowlers spearheaded by Shoaib Akhtar, Kaneria did the trick once again. Shoaib Malik and Rana Naveed also played superb,” he added. “Its a great boost for the game and will have positive effects on the coming tours,” he added.—Online