Akhtar to play only if needed, says Afridi
Paceman Shoaib Akhtar will only play "if needed" in Pakistan's remaining World Cup matches, skipper Shahid Afridi said on Friday on the eve of a Group A match against defending champion Australia which will determine quarterfinal positions.
- Associated Press
- Updated: March 18, 2011 02:43 PM IST
Paceman Shoaib Akhtar will only play "if needed" in Pakistan's remaining World Cup matches, skipper Shahid Afridi said on Friday on the eve of a Group A match against defending champion Australia which will determine quarterfinal positions.
The 35-year-old Akhtar has announced he'll retire from international cricket after the World Cup, a decision Afridi says will not adversely affect his squad.
Pakistan is aiming to end Australia's 34-match unbeaten streak at the World Cup and claim top spot in Group A.
Afridi said selectors would put the best team on the field for the conditions, casting doubt over Akhtar's inclusion after the enigmatic paceman was left out of the last matches due to form and fitness.
"At the moment the combination is good, so if we need him we'll definitely give him a chance in future games, said Afridi, who praised Akhtar for the mature manner in which he handled his decision to quit the international game.
"In Pakistan cricket, normally selectors kick you out, you don't leave yourself," Afridi said. "It is a good decision based on his fitness."
The mercurial fast bowler has played in three of the five matches and has taken three wickets. He went wicketless in his first game against Kenya before taking two in the win over World Cup co-host Sri Lanka and one in the 110-run loss to New Zealand, when Ross Taylor thrashed him for 28 runs in one over.
Afridi said Akhtar was enjoying his last international tournament and was not upset after Kamran Akmal dropped two early catches of Taylor.
"He (Akhtar) really worked hard for this World Cup," Afridi said. "He never said that he was upset or anything, he is enjoying himself whether he is playing or not."
Pakistan could tinker with its top-order batting lineup after opener batsman Ahmed Shehzad managed only 51 runs in five matches.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal could replace Shehzad while younger Akmal - Umar - has recovered from index finger injury and is likely return for Saturday's game.
"Maybe we make some changes in the opening slots," Afridi said. "Kamran Akmal is definitely one of the choices."
Pakistan is the last team which defeated Australia at the World Cup - in a group match way back in 1999.
Afridi missed that match at Headingley when Pakistan won by 10 runs. All-rounder Abdul Razzaq and Akhtar are the only survivors from that winning Pakistan squad.
Afridi was wary of Australia's pace attack comprising Brett Lee, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson but was confident his three spinners will be up to the challenge on Saturday in Colombo.
"Australia are a very professional side," Afridi said. "They are a good batting and bowling side. They know how to bowl reverse swing, especially when Brett Lee comes back and Shaun Tait as well.
"They know how to use this condition as well, but we know our strength. We know how to tackle and deal with these guys so we are well-prepared."
Afridi attributed the mental and physical toughness of the Australians as the reasons behind their unbeaten run in the World Cup, but said he had few surprises in store for them.
"We will do something new against these guys tomorrow," he said. "If we win, we will go into quarterfinals with a good, positive attitude."
Pakistan has given the new ball to left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman, and Afridi might use the same tactics against the likes of opening pair of Shane Watson and Brad Haddin.
Afridi is the leading wicket-taker in the World Cup with 16, so his leg-spin will present dangers to the Australian batsman, as will off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez.
The Pakistan captain was not worried where his team would be playing its quarterfinals - India, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka.
"At the moment I am thinking about myself and my team," he said. "We are just thinking about tomorrow's game and trying to finish it with happy ending and win the group. I don't know where we play India or whoever."