Never a great fan of Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram welcomes the return of the controversial former national coach as a batting adviser.Wasim Akram has welcomed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to include Javed Miandad as batting consultant of the senior national team. Miandad has been the chief coach on two occasions before.
Akram, who was Pakistan captain during Miandad's coaching stint (1998-99), feels the team will surely benefit from his vast experience.
"Javed Miandad is a hard-working man. Then he knows the ins and outs of batting technique. He is one of the greats of his times. So it's nice to have a big name like him in the side. He is street fighter and players should learn from him," said Akram.
Never known for great man management, Akram wonders if Miandad will be the perfect team man Pakistan need at these times. “Waqar Younis (now chief coach), bowling advisor Aaquib Javed and Miandad will have to work together to build the future of Pakistan cricket,” Akram told Mobile ESPN in an exclusive chat from Karachi on Monday.
"If Waqar, Aaquib and Miandad could combine well then Pakistan will immensely benefit from their experience. They can do wonders for Pakistan cricket as long as they stick together," Akram added.
The Misbah-ul-Haq-led Pakistan side played well against South Africa in the recently concluded two-Test series in the UAE. Misbah scored an unbeaten 76 in the first Test, while the 36-year-old batsman managed 77 and a dogged 58 not out to rescue Pakistan in the second Test as well. Akram feels that Misbah has shown good temperament as a leader.
"It was a good omen for Pakistan cricket that they drew the series against one of the top sides of the world. Misbah played good cricket and displayed some exemplary leadership qualities. I believed that he was a stop-gap arrangement for Pakistan, but if he is given more time, he will surely do well in the job," said Akram.
Akram is also very happy with the inclusion of former captain Younis Khan. Younis, who hit an unbeaten 131 in the first Test against Proteas was instrumental in Pakistan putting up a good fight in UAE.
"Younis returning to the side is a big plus for Pakistan. He is a senior player, who played well in the Test matches as well. He will be a good No.3 or No.4 in the batting order. Younis' presence will be of great help when chasing big scores," said Akram.
Akram though cautioned the team management to take care of their senior players for Pakistan cricket to prosper.
"The team should use the services of Younis to their advantage. He is a senior member and should be given due respect. He should be treated like a senior and get the best out of him. Younis is not only a good batsman and fielder but is also a team-man," Akram said.
Akram, who was Pakistan captain during Miandad's coaching stint (1998-99), feels the team will surely benefit from his vast experience.
"Javed Miandad is a hard-working man. Then he knows the ins and outs of batting technique. He is one of the greats of his times. So it's nice to have a big name like him in the side. He is street fighter and players should learn from him," said Akram.
Never known for great man management, Akram wonders if Miandad will be the perfect team man Pakistan need at these times. “Waqar Younis (now chief coach), bowling advisor Aaquib Javed and Miandad will have to work together to build the future of Pakistan cricket,” Akram told Mobile ESPN in an exclusive chat from Karachi on Monday.
"If Waqar, Aaquib and Miandad could combine well then Pakistan will immensely benefit from their experience. They can do wonders for Pakistan cricket as long as they stick together," Akram added.
The Misbah-ul-Haq-led Pakistan side played well against South Africa in the recently concluded two-Test series in the UAE. Misbah scored an unbeaten 76 in the first Test, while the 36-year-old batsman managed 77 and a dogged 58 not out to rescue Pakistan in the second Test as well. Akram feels that Misbah has shown good temperament as a leader.
"It was a good omen for Pakistan cricket that they drew the series against one of the top sides of the world. Misbah played good cricket and displayed some exemplary leadership qualities. I believed that he was a stop-gap arrangement for Pakistan, but if he is given more time, he will surely do well in the job," said Akram.
Akram is also very happy with the inclusion of former captain Younis Khan. Younis, who hit an unbeaten 131 in the first Test against Proteas was instrumental in Pakistan putting up a good fight in UAE.
"Younis returning to the side is a big plus for Pakistan. He is a senior player, who played well in the Test matches as well. He will be a good No.3 or No.4 in the batting order. Younis' presence will be of great help when chasing big scores," said Akram.
Akram though cautioned the team management to take care of their senior players for Pakistan cricket to prosper.
"The team should use the services of Younis to their advantage. He is a senior member and should be given due respect. He should be treated like a senior and get the best out of him. Younis is not only a good batsman and fielder but is also a team-man," Akram said.
