Former captain Wasim Akram expects Pakistan to be involved in a tight Test series with England this summer despite winning 2-0 on home soil last winter.
Their hero then, Shoaib Akhtar, has not played since February due to ankle and knee problems and fellow paceman Rana Naved-ul-Hasan is also an injury doubt.
But Wasim said: "It looks like it is 50-50 because England are also struggling with fitness and injuries.
“The Pakistan team has got used to Shoaib not playing.”
Wasim featured in Pakistan sides that won Test series in England in 1987, 1992 and 1996.
He went on: "Shoaib not played for the last six or seven months and they are okay with that but Rana Naved is a big blow because he has been bowling really well for Sussex.
"The Pakistan side is a mix of youth and experience and they are heading the right way.
“Mohammad Asif is a find, Mohammad Sami has picked up again. They are a good bowling side but a bit inexperienced.”
Asif has joined up with the Pakistan squad after starting the season in English county cricket with Leicestershire. While not quite as effective as naved was at Sussex, he has been a fine performer for his country in their recent Tests and one-day internationals.
Wasim is a traitor, how can it be 50-50 when we thrashed them 2-0 last time??? Had it been India vs England, Akram would have given Indians 70-30 chance of winning the series:grumpy:
He is indian…
He should stay in India…
Actually Wasim is being optimistic by giving Pakistan a 50-50 chance. Our batting was always going to struggle in England but it was our bowling attack which was supposed to give us the edge. With Akhtar and Rana out, we will have a very inexperienced line up with Asif and test reject Sami leading the attack. With back up bowlers like Inzi's pal Mushy, Rao and domestic failure Nazir, it will certainly be an uphill battle.
It’s not like the English batsmen are world beaters either (apart from Tresco and Pietersen). Even with this limited bowling attack, I can see the Pakistani bowling department doing fairly well.
Its about passion and pure determination. England has lot to prove, from their defeat against Pakistan to making a point before the Ashes. Last time Pakistan had lot to demonstrate and our players played their heart out, while England was high with their Ashes win. Result: defeat.
They are over it and now under tremendous pressure to prove themselves as a viable contender. Let's see whether Pakistani players can match it.
