25 March 2024 last updated at 19:12 GMT
 
Akram wants RP to play in 3rd Test
Monday 08 August 2011

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram wants the Indian team to select RP Singh ahead of Sreesanth in the third Test at Edgbaston.

"I am happy to see RP Singh's return to the Indian team. He is a good replacement for Zaheer and is one bowler who can really trouble the English batsmen. His upright, seam-up action helps the ball slant easily and India will be tempted to play him ahead of Sreesanth," Akram wrote in his column for a website.

The Pakistani legend was critical of India’s shoddy body language during the second Test and emphasized that it wasn’t becoming of a top team.

"I have never seen such a listless Indian side in recent times. The team has been just going through the motion and at Trent Bridge, the Indians gave the impression that they had thrown in the towel on Day 4 itself. Is this the sign of a team that's No. 1 in the Test rankings?

"Drooping shoulders, stingless bowling and schoolboy-like batting have made India look like a team that has no pride. This is not the India that we wanted to see in England."

Akram also lauded the performances of the seniors, saying that the likes of Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and to a certain extent even Sachin Tendulkar have shown their class.

"Tours like England actually tell you the class and depth of a team. Except for Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and to a small extent Sachin Tendulkar, there is not much to write home about the current squad.” Akram concluded.

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