Inzamam says bowlers can wreck England by AFP

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Event:

England in Pakistan 2005/06

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DateLine: 3rd November 2005

 

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq fired the opening salvo before his side's Test series against England, saying his bowlers can destroy any batting line-up.

 

"Pakistan has destructive fast bowlers and spinners and with their rhythm they can wreck any batting line-up in the world," Inzamam told reporters before the first Test in Multan starting November 12.

 

Inzamam singled out Shoaib Akhtar's resolve and commitment, saying the injury-prone and sometimes moody fast bowler is ready to play a lead role against Ashes-winners England.

 

"Akhtar has realised the series could be a turning point in his career. He is working hard on his fitness and is gearing up for the series," said Inzamam of Akhtar, who has not played for Pakistan since January this year.

 

Akhtar flew home midway from Pakistan's tour of Australia in January with a hamstring problem, which also ruled him out of the team's crucial tours of India and the West Indies between March to June.

 

The paceman's stint with English county Worcestershire was marred by injuries and county chairman John Elliott complained he was "a big problem to handle" during his three-month stay there.

 

He also flopped for the Rest of the World XI in the three-match one-day series against Australia and was dropped from the Super Test last month.

 

But since returning from Australia, Akhtar has pledged to try his hardest against England.

 

Inzamam said Pakistan was well-armed in both the pace and spin departments.

 

"Pakistan has quality pacers in Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Shabbir Ahmed and Rana Navedul Hasan, an attack which can cause trouble for any batting line-up," he said.

 

Pakistan, who have lost six of their last nine home series, have yet to settle on their final line-up but are likely to employ more spin to outwit England.

 

Inzamam also urged his players to give their all. "Pakistan need 100 percent commitment from everyone because England are a tough side and it will be a very tough series for us," he said.

 

England, riding high after their Ashes triumph, showed true grit by snatching a 52-run win from the jaws of defeat in their three-day tour opener against Pakistan Cricket Board Patron's XI at Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

 

The tourists take on Pakistan 'A' in their second warm-up match in Lahore from Sunday, their last outing before the first Test.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)