Shoaib Akhtar contradicts Younis Khan's statement on Jofra Archer

Pakistan’s legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar, in a YouTube video on Tuesday, contradicted the statement made by the Men in Green’s batting coach Younis Khan after the latter singled out the Barbados-born pacer, Jofra Archer, as a ‘major threat’ for his side.

The Rawalpindi Express claimed that Younis Khan should not be making statements of this nature.

“Younis Khan made a statement that we will have to be wary of Jofra Archer. He [Archer] is very intimidating and hits you [while bowling]. Younis Khan gives statements. He is a good man though. There is no need to fear Jofra Archer. Younis Khan said that they will have to play a bit defensively. I don’t know if he has said this or not. He [Younis] should not be giving these statements,” Akhtar said.

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The 44-year-old believed that transferring courage and attitude into the youngsters should be the priority for Younis during his stint as batting coach.

“He should be transferring his own attitude to the youngsters. Those youngsters should have the same attitude, strike rate and averages as him and only then do we benefit from having him in the coaching setup. Younis Khan has to transfer his knowledge and experience to the youngsters. I want this from Younis Khan rather than statements. His courage needs to be transferred to the youngsters. I am sure he will be able to do it,” he said.

Earlier, Younis said 25-year-old Archer has made a reputation for himself since qualifying to play for England and going on to play a key role in last year's Ashes and triumphant World Cup campaign.

"He (Archer) is a real match-winner and a threat," Younis told AFP before the team's departure. "

Archer has strong nerves which he proved while bowling a crucial super over in the World Cup final," said Younis of England's nail-biting win over New Zealand at Lord's last year.

"He has bite in his bowling and his high arm action is very good and gives him nip in his bowling," he added.

The Pakistan squad arrived in England on Sunday, where they will play three Tests and as many Twenty20 internationals, starting in the first week of August.