Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Umar could replace his brother as wicketkeeper

Shoaib Akhtar frustrates after Kamran Akmal dropped Ross Taylor catch, New Zealand v Pakistan, Group A, World Cup, Pallekele, March 8, 2011
Pakistan team management will mull over using Umar Akmal as a wicketkeeper in their remaining group matches in the World Cup, as his elder brother Kamran Akmal had devastating glovework behind the stumps, he missed three chances in Tuesday's big loss to New Zealand, including the centurion Ross Taylor twice in Shoaib's over when he was on 0 and 4.
He also missed two stumping in the victory over Sri Lanka and made numerous errors for last four years performances. Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi expressed about his feelings that it could be helpful for Pakistan as we would try Umar Akmal as wicketkeeper. Kamran's performance in both departments is not up to the mark as he batted with an average of less than 30 and three dismissals so far in four games. Umar Akmal did keeping behind the stumps against South Africa last November when Zulqarnain Haider fled to London. He also did the same job behind the wickets for three T20s in New Zealand.
Kamran was not dropped first time since last four years keeping career; it happened many times with him, His long-term future is now a concern for him as well as for Pakistan. Pakistan Coach Waqar Younis said, "After the World Cup, we maybe think about it, as this is not a right time because we are in the middle of the tournament, we will do change right now". Pakistan Captain Afridi said, "I see him to do a lot of work hard, I don't understand why the luck is not keeping with him, I always back up him and not think over to drop from the side, but at this stage, we should take some changes for remaining tournament for keeping live Pakistan".

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