Pakistan’s cricket community welcomed the new squads announced for the series in Bangladesh but former Test captain Ramiz Raja cautioned the team to expect a tough challenge from the hosts. “Let me tell you clearly that Bangladesh looked a changed and more confident side in the World Cup and their batting was better than us. So I don’t think the coming limited over games is going to be easy sailing for us in Bangladesh,” Ramiz was quoted as saying Saturday. “We should expect a close series.” Ramiz also expressed reservations over whether off-spinner, Saeed Ajmal would be able to make a successful comeback to international cricket with his modified bowling action.
“Once a bowler’s bowling action is called and he undergoes tests than I don’t recall if such a bowler has managed to comeback strongly in international cricket. It will not be easy for Saeed to make a comeback and enjoy the same success. But selecting him was the proper thing to do as he has to be tested sooner or later.” Ramiz also felt that Pakistan cricket needed to go back to its style of play, which is aggressive.
“Playing aggressive and attacking cricket taking wickets and scoring runs quickly has been our DNA but in the World Cup I was disappointed not to see this except for the game against South Africa. We need to change with time and play one-day cricket aggressively and fearlessly.” Pakistan’s former captain and great, Wasim Akram backed the appointment of Azhar Ali and Sarfraz Ahmed as captain and vice-captain of the one-day squad. “It is a sensible decision and Azhar should be supported. Pakistan cricket has talent and it is good to see new players coming in. But also need to change our approach and play differently now.”
