Pathan turns to Akram again by CricketArchive staff reporter

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Player:

Wasim Akram, IK Pathan

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DateLine: 13th December 2006

 

Out of form Indian bowler Irfan Pathan would seek help from Pakistani legend Wasim Akram to sort out his weaknesses ahead of the start of India's three-Test series against South Africa here on Friday.

 

It is not the first time that the left-arm seamer has turned to the former Pakistani captain. He had famously taken tips from him during India's tour of Australia where he made his debut. Pathan's move underlines the help that the team management has sought from outside sources without quite reconsidering if even at this late stage they could think about hiring a bowling coach. In fact, chairman of selectors Dilip Vengsarkar, in South Africa to assist the team mainly in selection matters, is likely to exchange ideas with the team management on the long-simmering issue of a bowling coach.

 

Vengsarkar left home stating "a bowling coach is a must" last week but did not find an echo from South Africa, though to be fair to the Indian team management they have consistently chosen silence over eloquence on the matter. A bowling coach is a trend worldwide. Troy Cooley came into news for his work with the England bowlers during the 2005 Ashes series though he has now pitched his tent with the Australian team. Waqar Younis has been roped in by the Pakistan Cricket Board while the likes of Vincent Barnes for South Africa and Kevin Shine for England also receive a fair share of attention for working with the national bowlers.