Wasim Akram lends support to Pakistan team despite Leeds bashing

Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has come out in support of the Pakistan cricket team, saying that the fans should give the young squad some ‘time and patience’.

“This is a young team. It needs time and patience. The youngsters should be praised for beating England in their backyard, which is a big deal. Nobody was expecting us to draw the series, as we all thought England will win the matches in three days,” said Akram, local media reported.

The relatively inexperienced Pakistan went out to draw the series 1-1 against England. Akram, however, was of the view that the team should learn from their mistakes.

Pointing out the positives from the tied series, Akram praised youngsters Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan for their all-round abilities in the series. “The duo minted runs under pressure; we were in trouble against Ireland and Lord’s as well. This is a young side and a very talented side we just have to wait,” he said.

The former captain was of the view that Pakistan should play more than 10 to 12 Test matches in a year, as one needs to be fit both mentally and physically and need to develop strategies to come on top in this format.

The end of the second Test came quickly on the third day at Headingley as a second innings collapse from Pakistan gave England their first Test match win since defeating West Indies at Lord’s last September.