Pakistan fast bowler and former captain Wasim Akram said on Thursday that he was still hungry for success, despite being dropped for last week’s Asian Test Championship final against Sri Lanka.
The 35-year-old insisted his fitness was not an issue and that Pakistan’s performances against New Zealand and Australia later this year will act as a gauge for their chances in the 2003 World Cup.
``It is still far off. Before that we play some very important tests and one-dayers against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa,‘’ he told reporters in Karachi.
``If we do well against them, we can be confident of doing well in the World Cup.‘’
Selectors and captain Waqar Younis said Akram was not considered for the final against Sri Lanka as they were unsure of his fitness.
Pakistan lost by eight wickets in Lahore, fuelling demands for Akram to be recalled for a tournament in Sharjah and the home series against New Zealand starting in April.
``I am not worried about being dropped. I can make a comeback because I am enjoying the game and bowling well,‘’ said Akram, who has taken more than 800 wickets in international cricket but has claimed just 10 in his last eight test appearances.
``My fitness is not a problem. I am hungry for the game and success. If anything, the selectors have only motivated me to achieve something by dropping me.‘’
Akram said public and media criticism after he was dropped was not unexpected.
That is fair enough if I don't perform,'' he said. But I don’t think I am finished as an international cricketer.
DEMORALISING DEFEATS
``What is most important is that we all sit down and put out heads together and devise a plan to stop our run of defeats at home. The defeat to Sri Lanka has had a demoralising effect on us.‘’
Pakistan has had a very poor record at home since 1995, having lost series to Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia, Zimbabwe and England.
Akram said Pakistan had to take a leaf from Australia’s book by adopting the same mental strength and aggressive approach.
``You have to go after Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne to win a psychological battle against Australia,‘’ he said.
Akram said he has no immediate plans to choose between tests and one-dayers.
``If I break down again with an injury in a match or don’t bowl well then I will know I have to make choices,‘’ he said.