Wasim Akram talks about how he developed into an all-rounder
The most feared bowler of the ongoing India–Pakistan series, Wasim Akram, is also one of the greatest all-rounders in the game today. He has become a major catalyst for Pakistan’s recent revival. As a batsman, he has helped Pakistan lift the Nehru Cup and, as a bowler, his devastating swing has wrecked India and the West Indies at Sharjah. In fact, his hat-trick against the West Indies made him the fourth bowler in one-day internationals to achieve this rare distinction. In this interview, the 27-year-old left-arm pacer talks about his early days, his growing confidence and his emerging transformation from a mere bowler into an outstanding all-rounder.
We have heard that you got interested in cricket after watching an India–Pakistan Test. Is that right?
Yes, I was around 15 then and studying at the Cathedral School in Lahore. I went to watch the India–Pakistan Test at Lahore and was very impressed by Imran’s bowling. I decided that I, too, wanted to become a fast bowler like him.
When did you first meet Imran in person, and how did you get his advice?
I was selected to attend a coaching camp for youngsters in Lahore. Imran came to our nets and, while watching me bowl, encouraged me with some useful tips. I was also coached by Khan Mohammed and Saeed Khan. They helped me a lot.
What has been Imran’s influence on your career?
Imran Khan has been instrumental in my success. But for him, I wouldn’t have known how to bowl at some of the best batsmen in the world. It was he who told me about the strong points and weaknesses of some of the top batsmen. I have always listened to his advice very carefully.
Who has been the best batsman you have bowled to?
Sunil Gavaskar is the greatest, and Javed Miandad is one of the best batsman i ever see.
Who is the best left-arm pacer you have seen in action?
I don’t know who is the best. I’ve seen quite a few, like Kapil Dev, Azeem Hafeez, Australia’s Bruce Reid and England’s John Lever. I was most impressed by John Lever. Now that you have bowled in all the cricket-playing countries, which wicket do you think helped you the most?
Australian wickets. They are lively and bouncy.
What about the Indian wickets?
They are very tough for bowlers. They are slow, and you have to really put in a lot of effort. Only one wicket in India impressed me a lot, and that was the one at Hyderabad. I played in a one-day match there, and it was the quickest Indian wicket I’ve bowled on.
While bowling on dead wickets, what do you mainly concentrate on?
I bowl on the stumps, preferably on the off stump, and try not to give a single loose delivery. That’s all one can do.
How do you take batting from a batsman?
Seriously, very seriously. I’m working on my batting to improve it.
Could you tell us the secret behind your stamina?
Regular exercise. Also, I spend a lot of time every day, and I feel sprinting has helped me build up a good pace.
Last season, you were off cricket owing to a groin injury. What actually caused the injury, and how is it now?
I think it was mainly because I was having a long run-up and was stretching the muscle too much. Now I have shortened my run-up. It is much better now. I don’t say I’m 100 per cent okay, but the groin is still stiff. I have been careful about it.
You have also become an aggressive batsman. Who helped you hone your batting technique?
I was interested in batting and was an opening batsman in my school days, but since I was more concerned about my bowling, I discarded batting. But after coming into the Pakistan team, at the nets, Imran once told me, “You have a nice technique; why don’t you concentrate on it?” Soon I began to take an interest in my batting. Now I hate to give away my wicket.
Which has been your fastest knock?
I scored a quick 98 against Surrey recently. I don’t remember off how many balls. In the same match, I also took a hat-trick.
What do you feel about your Sharjah performance?
Very happy, yet equally unhappy, because I had to miss two matches owing to a very stiff back.
K. R. Nayar
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