SYDNEY, April 22: Pakistan’s former cricket captain Wasim Akram may be ignored back in his country but he is clearly in demand abroad and after Irfan Pathan, Australian speedster Brett Lee turned to Sultan of Swing to master art of reverse swing ahead of the Ashes.
“I think soon in the Ashes we will be seeing Brett Lee bowling reverse swing,” an AAP report quoted Wasim as saying.
Wasim, one of early practitioners of the art, said he gave tips to Lee and his other pace partners, which would help them improve but felt bowlers needed to work real hard to truly master the art.
“It was about action, about seam, a lot of talk about reverse swing,” Wasim said.
“These guys want to improve, so they want to ask the top cricketers (for advice) and that’s good. I did tell them little details about reverse swing,” he added.
Australia have appointed Troy Cooley as their new bowling coach, who is widely credited for new found English ability to reverse swing the ball, to prepare themselves for the Ashes challenge and regain trophy they lost last summer.
Lee said word of advice from Wasim would help him and his pace-mates but conceded that the art was still to be mastered.
“We spoke about a number of things from conventional swing to reverse swing and different lines and lengths,‘’ Lee said.
“He gave us a few pointers and ways to try and get ball to swing a bit more. England did it very well last year when we played against them in the Ashes,‘’ he said adding his team would look to reverse trend in coming series.—Agencies
Re: Lee seeks out Wasim for reverse swing tips
Wasim's policy = Seek me and I shall reward you.
As to whether or not Lee and Bracken have completely grasped the concept of reverse-swing remains to be seen. One simply cannot learn this art it in one sitting for roughly a period of half an hour in front of a packed stadium with crowd buzzing in your ear while you are being distracted by the camera crew in every five seconds and your training session is put up on the big screen. Only pactice makes a man perfect, and that is exactly what the two W's had in their armory - Gurus of reverse-swing bowling who could display the art in the field on any given day.
Another way to look at it - Australians seeking Akram for tips on reverse-swing.........Heights of desperation, or looking for a sweet revenge in the upcoming Ashes? Or both?
Re: Lee seeks out Wasim for reverse swing tips
On another note, this “incident” occured during the second test, as mentioned here by Acrobi Bhai. As we were watching the match live, the camera was completely focused on Akram and Lee for a good period of time, and after almost every ball, it would pan over and we would see the master with his hand gestures indicating to the former on where to pitch the ball, and things of that nature.
For the sake of our own fast-bowling department (which, after the temporary departure of Shoaib, has looked rather empty and dull), I still have high hopes for Mohammad Sami that he will learn a thing or two after living under the wings of Waqar before his selection for the England tour.
Re: Lee seeks out Wasim for reverse swing tips
I wouldn't say it's desperation or anything, it's just smart. There's nothing wrong in trying to improve your game. You have a source of great knowledge, utilize it. Seems as if everyone and their nana has asked for Akram's advice, except for our home grown cheetay. :)
Re: Lee seeks out Wasim for reverse swing tips
Why does wasim akram like helping everyone apart from pakistanis.....?...doesnt the PCB like him?
Re: Lee seeks out Wasim for reverse swing tips
^ Wasim Akram is not obliged to personally visit the home of every bowler in Pakistan and offer on the spot coaching free of charge. The smart ones have sought out his advice and as for the ones that haven't bothered, well it's their loss.
Re: Lee seeks out Wasim for reverse swing tips
true...
Re: Lee seeks out Wasim for reverse swing tips
why do they find it embarrsing to ask for help
Re: Lee seeks out Wasim for reverse swing tips
Because Akram embarrass them if they come empty pockets 