‘Was surprised to see Sachin low on passion’

KARACHI: Former cricket great Wasim Akram said on Friday that if Pakistan play with passion and aggression they can outdo rivals India and beat South Africa on their tough tour.

“I was surprised to see India low on passion and aggression after winning the first Test,” Akram said. “Pakistan can fare better than India because they have more passion and aggression in their cricket.”

The 40-year-old former all-rounder, who retired in 2003, was on the commentary team in the series which South Africa won 2-1 against India earlier this month.

His comments came at the start of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa. Akram said India relied heavily on star batsman Sachin Tendulkar and skipper Rahul Dravid who failed to shine with the bat.

“I was surprised to see Sachin (Tendulkar) so low on passion and he was negative in his batting. In fact India looked afraid in the last Test and Pakistan should avoid such an approach,” he said.

Akram, who took 414 Test and a world record of 502 one-day wickets during an illustrious career, said fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar could be the key for Pakistan.

 Akhtar, who was not selected in the original squad over fitness problem, has now been sent to join the team in South Africa and should be available for the second Test.

“He can be crucial factor in helping Pakistan win,” he said. Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq should have pushed for Akhtar’s inclusion, he said.