England tour: Akram apprehensive of Pak batting

"Any player with a back-foot technique, or who is neither forward nor back, will struggle against these bowlers in these conditions," Wasim was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Published : Jul 10, 2016 21:34 IST

Akram has called on the country’s bowlers to focus on their line and length and threaten the English top order, especially Garry Ballance who is making a return to the Test arena.

Ahead of Pakistan’s tour of England, former captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has admitted team’s batting is a matter of concern.

Wasim believes that the team’s top-order will struggle against England’s pacers, who are expected to get plenty of swing in their homeland.

“Any player with a back-foot technique, or who is neither forward nor back, will struggle against these bowlers in these conditions,” Wasim was quoted as saying by

cricket.com.au .

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s pace attack is likely to feature the returning Mohammad Amir, alongside left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz and leg spinner Yasir Shah.

Akram has called on the country’s bowlers to focus on their line and length and threaten the English top order, especially Garry Ballance who is making a return to the Test arena. “I would expect Pakistan to pitch the ball up and take it away from him (Ballance), posting three slips and a gully, while keeping open point, mid-off and extra cover to encourage the drive,” he said. “I hope Pakistan have done their homework because the new ball swings a lot more in England, and can reverse more too,” Wasim added.

Pakistan is scheduled to play a four-match Test series and a five-match ODI series against England, starting from July 14 at Lord’s.