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Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram believes that it will take a lot of effort from Australia to make a comeback in Ashes.
By Faisal Kamal
Keenly following the ongoing Ashes battle, Wasim Akram feels that England are in a menacing form and are too good for Australia. Talking to Mobile ESPN from Karachi, Akram believes that Australia will need to do something extra to bounce back from their 1-0 trail after 2 matches.
"It will be very difficult for Australia to make a comeback. England have been playing very good cricket. They have plenty of confidence and are certainly growing as a team. The pressure of Ashes is showing on the Kangaroos," said Akram.
England batsmen salvaged a draw in the series opener at Brisbane. The tourists were 517 for one when they declared their second innings on Day Five, shattering all hopes of an Australian win. Andrew Strauss registered his 19th Test ton as Alastair Cook (235*) and Jonathan Trott's (135*) unbeaten 329-run partnership frustrated the Aussie bowlers.
"In the first Test, England were just one down when they declared their innings. So even in a draw they held the advantage. And that would have demoralized the Aussies," said Akram.
In Adelaide, England came all guns blazing as they outplayed the hosts by an innings and 71 runs. After keeping a check on Australia in the first innings, England rode Kevin Pietersen's 227 to declare their innings on 620 for five.
"Though the track at Adelaide was flat, England restricted the hosts to a modest score and they put up a huge total in response. So, the Aussies will really have to play out of their skins to even come close to a win," said the Sultan of Swing.
The third Test starts December 16 in Perth and former Australia selectors and former players have already pressed the panic button. Noises for Shane Warne to come out of retirement are also growing louder as rookie off-spinner Michael Beer has been included in the Aussie squad. Akram, though, feels that Warne is mature enough to smile at the
requests.
"I don't think that Shane Warne is going to make a comeback. He is sensible enough to realize that enough is enough. The off-spinner had his time. He is playing in the Indian Premier League and enjoying it. There is a time for everything. At the moment he should just enjoy his life." said Akram.
Well, Warne or Beer, it’s hard times ahead for Australia.
"It will be very difficult for Australia to make a comeback. England have been playing very good cricket. They have plenty of confidence and are certainly growing as a team. The pressure of Ashes is showing on the Kangaroos," said Akram.
England batsmen salvaged a draw in the series opener at Brisbane. The tourists were 517 for one when they declared their second innings on Day Five, shattering all hopes of an Australian win. Andrew Strauss registered his 19th Test ton as Alastair Cook (235*) and Jonathan Trott's (135*) unbeaten 329-run partnership frustrated the Aussie bowlers.
"In the first Test, England were just one down when they declared their innings. So even in a draw they held the advantage. And that would have demoralized the Aussies," said Akram.
In Adelaide, England came all guns blazing as they outplayed the hosts by an innings and 71 runs. After keeping a check on Australia in the first innings, England rode Kevin Pietersen's 227 to declare their innings on 620 for five.
"Though the track at Adelaide was flat, England restricted the hosts to a modest score and they put up a huge total in response. So, the Aussies will really have to play out of their skins to even come close to a win," said the Sultan of Swing.
The third Test starts December 16 in Perth and former Australia selectors and former players have already pressed the panic button. Noises for Shane Warne to come out of retirement are also growing louder as rookie off-spinner Michael Beer has been included in the Aussie squad. Akram, though, feels that Warne is mature enough to smile at the
requests.
"I don't think that Shane Warne is going to make a comeback. He is sensible enough to realize that enough is enough. The off-spinner had his time. He is playing in the Indian Premier League and enjoying it. There is a time for everything. At the moment he should just enjoy his life." said Akram.
Well, Warne or Beer, it’s hard times ahead for Australia.
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