New Delhi: Despite Kamral Akmal’s poor show behind the stumps against New Zealand, former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram said the team management should stick to the beleaguered keeper instead of handing over the job to younger brother Umar in the ongoing World Cup.
“I hear the team management is toying with the idea of asking Umar Akmal to keep wickets instead of Kamran. If that happens, Pakistan will make a blunder. Two wrongs don’t make a right. In my book, wicket-keeping is a specialist's job, and Kamran is the only one we have in the squad,” he said.
Imran’s ‘panic’ advice
Karachi: Pakistan’s former captain Imran Khan has advised the team management to avoid panicking after the big defeat to New Zealand . “If they panic and get nervous the World Cup campaign will go to pieces… That is what I fear. I also think our people must keep faith with the team the tournament is still not over for them. The body language of the players was not good Tuesday. It is time for the management to now rethink their strategy and combinations,” he said.
Power of ‘green’
Mohali: Ireland captain William Porterfield is enjoying the ‘green’ support from the Irish fans during their World matches. “The green stands out from the rest of the crowd. It’s good to see so many people travelling over. It’s great to see the support even back at the hotel: you walk about and you see a lot of familiar faces and a lot of Irish accents. All credit to them for spending the money to travel and taking time,” Porterfield said.
Bangla turnaround
Chittagong: Bangladesh players are trying to ignore the pressure in the lead-up to Friday’s match against England. Bangaldesh suffered a humiliating nine-wicket defeat at the hands of the West Indies. “It is very important for us (to do well against England)… We know it was a very bad match. In three years of my cricket career, it was the worst match. I know I had a couple of matches where I didn’t get big scores… I have it in my mind,” said Bangladesh batsman Junaid Siddique.
Century for Steve
Calcutta: Umpire Steve Davis officiated in his 100th ODI — India vs The Netherlands tie at the Kotla, on Wednesday. The 58-year-old Australian is the 14th man to officiate in 100 ODIs or more. The list is headed by South Africa’s Rudi Koertzen, who stood in 209 one-day games.
For a noble cause
Calcutta: The West Indies players Wednesday took some time out from their training schedule in order to interact with people, who are HIV-positive. West Indies captain Darren Sammy along with teammates Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle Kemar Roach, Andre Russel and other teammates took time out to support the UN AIDS, Unicef and ICC’s “Think Wise campaign”. The interactive session is an ICC initiative to spread awareness about the disease.
Consistency hunt
Mohali: With big wins against the The Netherlands and Bangladesh under their belt, West Indies would be striving for consistency to ensure a smooth entry into quarter finals when they take on Ireland on Friday, says batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan. “Yes, it is important to have consistency,” the 30-year-old said.
