Batting first was Pakistan’s brave decision: Wasim Akram

Pakistan legendary pacer Wasim Akram has said batting first was a brave and right decision taken by skipper Sarfraz, however, it didn’t work well.

Giving his view after the conclusion of day one at Leeds, Akram said England have bowled really well here. They were pitching the ball up and asking the batsmen to drive, which they succeeded.

The Sultan of Swing said this bowling attack of England is much better then Lord’s. They have Chris Woakes back in the side, who is a wicket taker and experience of Broad and Anderson they have everything. Speaking about Sam Curran, Akram said he is a good bowler but lacks pace.

Analyzing Sarfraz’s batting he said, the skipper had got the start but typical mind set of playing on flat wickets cost him his wicket. On the other hand, he praised Shadab and Cook for their performances with the bat.

“Shadab and Cook played magnificently on this track. They waited for the bad deliveries to score runs,” he said, adding, “I want Shadab to pick up wickets in Test cricket. He has shown what he can do with the bat now it time to show what he has to offer with the ball”.

He further said that Shadab needs to work on his leg-spin. "He knows how to bowl a ‘Guggly’ and now he should learn how to bowl a ‘flipper’ as well,” he added.

Akram suggested that Pakistan need to pickup wickets in the first session to make a comeback in the game.