Akhtar names Pakistan’s ‘ideal’ new ball bowling pair

Former Pakistan fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar has revealed his ideal, Men in Green, new ball bowling pair, with the 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup in England and Wales fast approaching.  

While sharing his thoughts on his official YouTube channel, Akhtar said that pacers Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali are ideally suited to bowl with the new ball, bearing in mind the nature of pitches to be used during the World Cup.

“On these pitches Pakistan should make use of Hasan Ali and Mohammad Amir as their new ball bowlers,” said Akhtar. “The surfaces in England will assist a bowler like Hasan Ali.”

The 43-year-old was also impressed with performance of left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz, after the warm-up game against Afghanistan.  

“When the ball gets older, the likes of Wahab Riaz can be brought into the equation,” he said. “Like in the warm-up match against Afghanistan, we saw how important it is to have a bowler like Riaz at the death.”

The Rawalpindi-born also stressed on the importance of spinners during the mega event.

“I think spinners will also play a crucial role in the World Cup,” he said. “Shadab Khan looked a bit rusty during the warm-up game against Afghanistan but he I’m hopeful that he will soon get back to his best. Also Imad Wasim, along with Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, can also chip in with valuable contributions with the ball.”

Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign against West Indies, on May 31, at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.