Wasim Akram As Bowling Coach

The matter of the fact is that having talent in abundance is one thing; and spotting it and then polishing the same into a gem is totally another

By Gul Nasreen

There is no denying the fact that Pakistan is rich in bowling talent and has produced world class bowlers, who have left a mark on the cricket world. However, in recent years it has been noticed that in spite of immense talent and class, Pakistan bowlers particularly pacers lack in what is said to be the essence of bowling i.e. good line and length.

They rather damn care how important it is to have rhythm in one's bowling and to bowl a good line and length. Consistency is also absent from their form and approach to the game. Fitness problems and most sadly controversies and disciplinary complaints have also increasingly been cropping up against the main pacers, who seem to be out of 'track' for reasons that need to be taken serious notice of.

In order to bring them back on track, to take the best out of them and to inculcate in them the right approach to bowling, it has become imperative for the PCBwallas to appoint someone of the calibre of former pacer Wasim Akram as a bowling coach on a long term basis.

In the backdrop of the prevailing chaos over the pace department of our national team, one would welcome the recent statements of the PCB chief Dr Nasim Ashraf and former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, in which the former has expressed his desire regarding Wasim's appointment as a bowling coach and the latter's willingness to 'consider' and 'think over' the offer.

Though the proposed appointment of former Pakistan captain and king of 'Killer Yorker' Wasim as bowling coach will be a belated decision yet a welcome move as he can ensure to make a sense out of the prevailing confusion in the fast bowling department.

The matter of the fact is that having talent in abundance is one thing; and spotting it and then polishing the same into a gem is totally another. The irony is that we boast of the immense talent, but are averse to the importance of grooming the same. 'Practice maketh a man perfect' and as such we all agree on the importance of good training in all fields of life including sports.

Keeping that in mind, one would agree with Akram, who was recently quoted to have said at the coaching camp at Gadsafi Stadium, "A specialised camp for fast bowlers helps in polishing the skills and technique of the fast bowlers and after practice some talented bowlers used to come to the surface with such camps".

It may be mentioned here that Wasim had the rare ability to strike at the right moment of the game. His ability to take the game out of the hands of the opponents and turn it into Pakistan's favour through his wicket-taking capabilities was what made a legend of him. He used to be not only clinical and economical but also tactful in his approach and used to apply mind and keep his nerves under control under pressure.

Just imagine, he was a chronic diabetic yet he managed the ailment so well to not to let it affect his game. He had to change his lifestyle and had to cut on his luxuries and also cut short his bowling run-up to come to terms with his health requirements, but he did it all in style, setting an example for players 'who are prone to fitness problems' to follow.

On the contrary, the current crop of our bowlers has let fitness problems prevail over their careers, affecting their game badly and rendering them useless for the team at times when it matters the most. They really need someone like Wasim to let them learn the art of overcoming one's shortcomings in a way to make themselves dependable members of the squad.

Wasim, when part of the team, was not only the match winner but tournament winner in the real sense of the word. His contribution to Pakistan's win in the 1992 World Cup was immense and unforgettable. His 'killer yorker' was what made him the most dreaded figure among the opponents' camp. Consistency in form and approach to the game, which is now totally missing from the Pakistan pacers play, was the hallmark of his performance all through the years.

The irony is that the current crop of Pakistan pacers are depicting a very disappointing scenario. In spite of being capable, they are unable to deliver under pressure, which is the key to success on the ground. Looking at the latest outings, one finds most of them missing the real touch. While some lack the killer instinct, others are unable to utilise the same.

And sadly, there are still few who are out of the track on fitness grounds, disciplinary reasons and have been imbroiled in all sorts of controversies, much to the loss of the national team. Just take the example of the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL), where our fast bowlers except for the new find Sohail Tanvir, did not emerge as a force to reckon with.

The Rawalpindi Express embarked on a 'hare-like' swift start but soon derailed in his third outing and ended with a 'pygmy-like' approach, quoting fitness problems. Mohammad Asif also played so-so in the IPL and while returning home caused the entire nation an embarrassment when he was stopped at Dubai Airport for allegedly carrying 'banned substances' in his luggage.

All these 'mishaps' on the pacers' front both on and off-the-field need to be taken serious notice of and handled properly as they are gnawing at the roots of the pace department and rendering the national team helpless.

It is worth-mentioning here that in the past Wasim had declined a coaching stint offer, but now he has hinted at accepting the same. One would advise the PCB chief to soon personally offer him the bowling coach's job once again in the larger interest of Pakistan cricket. One hopes that the latter's 'feedback' will be positive this time.

We know that the former all-rounder is busy with his commitments as a commentator on TV but definitely he should take some time out to give back to cricket that made him a legendary figure and earned him worldwide name and fame.

It may also be mentioned here that Wasim's deecrators are of the view that though a legendary figure Wasim might not be able to be a good coach. However, they are not right in their assumption as Akram has already impressed with his coaching abilities through his shorter stints at the coaching camps, where he has been able to spot the talent to a certain extent.

His detractors must know that Sohail Tanvir, who has put up a good show in the IPL and is also well set to add fire to the pace battery of the team in the future, is also Akram's find. As such one should not question the former Test captain's capabilities and potential to spot, judge and explore the hidden talent and provide the national team pace department with a good back up.

Courtesy: The News Pakistan