Thaindian News

New Delhi, Oct 22 (IANS) Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram feels that India’s young all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is keeping pressure on the big-hitting Yusuf Pathan with his performances in the ongoing cricket one-dayers against England.

Akram, however, is surprised that Yusuf has been left out from the five-match ODI series against England.

“I feel Yusuf is a great player. It’s strange that he is not in the Indian team. But with Jadeja doing so well it certainly puts pressure on the big-hitting Pathan. Yusuf is 28, while Jadeja is 22 and it’s tough to choose between the two,” Akram was quoted as saying by Mobile ESPN.

Akram said that India have done well to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series despite playing without seniors like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan.

“They have once again showed that beating them on their home turf is near to impossible. They have certainly comeback well after the drubbing they got in England,” said Akram.

Akram said England, who dominated the summer series against India, should be prepared better for sub-continent conditions.

“Bowling on a green top in overcast conditions is different from bowling on sub-continent tracks. And England could have prepared better for the Indian tour. Even with two new balls, the English bowlers looked ordinary and this shows they need to improve in ODIs,” said Akram.

Akram also refused to believe that Indian would struggle during the tour of Australia later this year.

“Any type of cricket anywhere is a great preparation for any tour. Winning matters and if India can keep this momentum at home, it will boost their confidence in Australia,” Akram added.