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Lahore, Dec 2: A below par performance in all departments of the game brought 0-3 whitewash of the Pakistan cricket team in Test series in Australia.

Talking to mediamen here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, Wasim Akram admitted that the Pakistani bowlers, including himself, failed to bowl at length and to good direction which helped the Australians play their strokes freely.

The Pakistani captain said that the team-management kept on advising Shoaib Akhtar to maintain good line and length rather than generating extra-pace unnecessarily but he could not come up to expectations. However, Shoaib Akhtar had learnt a lot by playing in Australia but his inaccuracy cost the team dearly.

Replying to a question about giving more chances to Shoaib Akhtar in preference to the experienced paceman Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram said: "We want to give more chances to youngsters in preference to seasoned campaigners, keeping in view the future needs of the Pakistan team".

Wasim Akram rejected the allegation of Shoaib Akhtar's bowling action being "doubtful". He termed it as "perfect".

However, Wasim expressed his sorrow and indignation over statement of former national coach and Test all-rounder Wasim Hasan Raja, who had termed the express delivery of Shoaib Akhtar as "doubtful".

"Pakistan Cricket Board must take a bold stand before the International Cricket Council (ICC) in this regard and fully support Shoaib Akhtar. The rivals are trying to discourage young bowlers through such tactical moves", said Wasim Akram. Replying to another question about not giving any chance to Ghulam Ali during the three Test series, Wasim said that the opener was a second choice. Wajahatullah Wasti had played very well in a three-day practice match, therefore he was preferred over Ghulam Ali.

Skipper Wasim said that Aamir Sohail could be considered for selection in the Pakistan team for the forthcoming triangular one-day series also involving Australia and India if he performed well during the current domestic cricket season.

"I have a couple of batsmen in mind who needed to be given a chance during the limited-over series in Australia. They are presently playing either for the Pakistan under-19 team or for the Pakistan Reserve team. But I will not like to disclose their names at the moment", emphasised Wasim Akram.

The skipper said that after a rest of one week, he wanted that a training camp be started to tune the players for the forthcoming tour.

When asked why the Pakistan fielding was so poor despite the fact that it had a specialist coach like Richard Pybus, the captain opined:

"No coach can produce positive results in such a short time. The improvement in Pakistani fielding would take some time", asserted Wasim Akram.

Wasim Akram agreed with the manager Yawar Saeedthat inadequate preparation for the Test series and poor fielding, bowling and batting were causes of the Pakistan team's debacle against a strong and more professional side like Australia. However, he refused to comment on umpiring in Australia during the series. Wasim said that as a captain he was bound not to say any word on the subject of umpiring.

The skipper asked the PCB to prepare fast pitches for the home series against Sri Lanka to be hosted by it during next February and March

© Dawn