Afridi looks for inspiration from Kumble and Mushtaq

Karachi:

Pitches in England would not be a spinner's paradise but Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi will derive inspiration from past greats of spin bowling Anil Kumble and Mushtaq Ahmed at next month's ICC World Twenty20.

"I think this summer it will be different as the tracks in England traditionally are not normally conducive to spin.

However, I'll be looking to take my inspiration from the likes of India's Anil Kumble and Pakistan's Mushtaq Ahmed, both of whom have taken lots of wickets in England," Afridi said.

"I enjoy playing in England, I played county cricket and enjoyed it, and this summer's tournament at Lord's, Oval and Trent Bridge is being played at great grounds with lots of history," the flamboyant all-rounder was quoted as saying in an ICC newsletter.

With hosts England and The Netherlands in Pakistan's group for the opening stages of the tournament, Afridi said he and his team-mates could not take getting through to the Super Eight stage of the event for granted.

"I don't think any group or team is weak for this tournament because if you remember back in the one-day format World Cup we lost to Ireland, who we misjudged as an Associate, so every team is perfect and especially in Twenty20 you cannot say anything about any side because it's anyone's game," he said.

Afridi said as last tournament's finalists, he was sure Pakistan would triumph this summer at Lord's.

"I think I will go with Pakistan as favourites, definitely. Last time we played very well in South Africa and I think along with Pakistan, India will also be a favourite for the World Twenty20 title," he said.