Time for Kamran to take a break, says Rashid Latif
KARACHI, Jan 23: Wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal's prolonged lean patch behind the stumps has prompted former Pakistan captain and wicketkeeper Rashid Latif to suggest a break for him from international cricket and to get back to his basics.
Though Kamran clinched a win for Pakistan with a fighting half-century that got his team back to level the three-Test series against South Africa, the stumper's form with the gloves has been far from impressive recently.
Kamran squandered several catches as well as stumping chances during the two Tests and Rashid feels the pressure of international cricket is taking its toll on him.
"I have spoken to him about this,” said Rashid on Tuesday. “He (Kamran) also had discussions with Moin, Adam Gilchrist and his coach but nothing has improved. It is impossible for Kamran to handle pressure of keeping wickets at the top level and rectifying technical flaws at the same time.
"When I and Moin had problems we used to take a break from international cricket. We preferred to play domestic cricket and worked on basics to overcome technical flaws. We tried to get back concentration and confidence to stage a comeback," Rashid told reporters.
A veteran of 37 Tests and 168 ODIs, Rashid said although Akmal is continuing with his good run with the bat and managing to keep his place in the side, the wicket-keeper needs to fine tune his skills behind the stumps.
"No doubt he is an excellent cricketer and has a great future ahead. But in my opinion the wicket-keeper's primary job is to be safe behind the stumps and not let his bowlers down consistently.
"He is there not for his batting but wicket-keeping. Ask the bowlers. It is good if he has the backing of the captain and the coach but if he does not improve he is going to be dropped sooner or later," Rashid added.—Agencies
http://www.dawn.com/2007/01/24/spt9.htm
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