Wasim Akram calls for Fawad Alam’s inclusion in second Test against England

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram believes the Men in Green should include Fawad Alam in the middle order in the second Test against England, starting from August 13 at Southampton.

“In the next match, you won’t find a turning wicket. You will play with one spinner and you will have to play with an extra batsman,” said Akram.

The Sultan of Swing, who took 414 and 502 wickets in 104 Tests and 356 ODIs, respectively, said Alam has an average of over 50 in first-class and should be given a chance in the second Test.

“If I was the captain, I would include Fawad Alam in the middle order,” he said.

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The visitors lost the first Test match of the series by three wickets at Old Trafford, Manchester.

“We committed many tactical mistakes while bowling in the second innings,” said the former cricketer.

Wasim said that two senior batsmen Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq didn’t perform with the bat and “the team’s morale goes down if your senior players don’t perform”.

Azhar, who replaced wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed as Test captain, was severely criticized on social media and by former cricketers on TV shows over his poor batting form and captaincy.

Akram believes Azhar needs to improve his body language and communication skills.

“If we win the remaining Test matches he should continue as captain. It depends on his performance. Obviously, if we don’t win and he doesn’t perform then Pakistan Cricket Board have to look for someone else,” he said.