Inzamam disappointed with Asian XI pullouts

[Amjid Javed]

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq admitted on Saturday that he was disappointed with the string of pullouts from the Asian XI squad for the three-match one-day series against the African XI next week in South Africa.

"It is a difficult situation for me as captain to think and plan ahead for the series when the Asian squad is not final as yet due to the rapid pullout by leading players, he said.

"A number of players have pulled out which is disappointing. In such a scenario it is only when we get down to South Africa that we would be able to plan for the series," he said.

The Asian XI has seen Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Irfan Pathan, Chaminda Vaas, Rahul Dravid and Sanath Jayasuriya drop out from the original 15-member squad and Inzamam said there were still a few days before the first match so he didn’t know what team to expect.

"Obviously captaining the Asian XI is an honour for me and Pakistan. But leading your national side is a different thing and it is not difficult to motivate yourself or your players as you are playing for national pride. But as far as the Asian XI is concerned the motivation will come from knowing that you have to perform as a professional," he added.

The three-match series is scheduled on August 17, 20 and 21 in Johannesburg and Durban and is being hosted jointly by the newly constituted Afro-Asian Cricket Council.

He said the positive aspect of the series is that it would be nice to play alongside some of the best players in Asia who are normally your opponents.

"Playing alongside with them will be a new experience, that is for sure. And it will help everyone when they meet as rivals again to understand each other’s game better."

Looking ahead to the home series against England in November-December, Inzamam admitted he had got down to planning ahead specially after England’s rousing performances against Australia which have made them the bookmakers’ favourites to win the Ashes series.

"They are playing like a combined unit and we are watching all of their players very closely. We have got a analyst recording all their matches and performances which will help us prepare ore methodically for our series.

"I was in England recently and took time out to watch them play. I have no doubt they are on a roll and our series will be very tough and competitive," he added.

England is due to tour Pakistan from October 26 to play three Tests and five One-day Internationals. It will be their first visit to Pakistan since 2000 when they won the Test series.

Inzamam said England had developed into a very fine side and their strength lay in their team work. "Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen may be outstanding individual players but they are doing well as a team. Their bowling is their strongest point," he said.

"Compared to their bowling unfortunately we have been unable to field our full-strength attack due to fitness problems in the last one year," he said.

Pakistan’s frontline pacers Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Shabbir Ahmed and Umar Gul have all struggled with fitness problems since last year.

Gul has not played since June 2004 due to a stress fracture of the back, Akhtar broke down in Australia in January and has not played for Pakistan since then while Sami underwent a operation to remove corns from his heel.

Shabbir made a comeback in May in the West Indies from a knee injury but has been reported for a suspect bowling action.

The Pakistan captain expressed the hope that his frontline bowlers would be ready and available by the time of the series.

"England has been winning Tests since last year and this is largely due to a mature bowling attack. Their are still three months before they play us. But definitely their form means we are in for a hard series."

[Shoaib A]

hehe LoL.....inzi is quite serious about his captain role in the Asia X1 team LOL....

[Hash]

Inzi is such a legend. He really is taking this seriously.

[Amjid Javed]

Inzis being serious coz he wants to skipper in super series test.. so a good impression here against pollock/smith will maybe get him sway over smith in final recogning!

[Rob H]

Originally Posted by Amjid Javed Inzis being serious coz he wants to skipper in super series test.. so a good impression here against pollock/smith will maybe get him sway over smith in final recogning!

I would think that Lara already has the captaincy

[Amjid Javed]

lara? ***... he wud be worst choice as captain!

[deviously~fading~away]

Originally Posted by RH I would think that Lara already has the captaincy

Lara is not the Captain! The team + captains will be named tommorow! Like AJ bhai said lara would be the worst captain!

[Hash]

Lara captain? taking the mick there RH?

[Rob H]

Originally Posted by Hash Lara captain? taking the mick there RH?

I wouldn't personally have him captain but i think he will be.

[Hash]

Vaughan should be captain, don't you think?

Too bad he aint in the squad. First person on my teamsheet.

[Rob H]

Originally Posted by Hash Vaughan should be captain, don't you think? Too bad he aint in the squad. First person on my teamsheet.

no. He is in test squad but not for skipper.

[mlegha1]

A big disappointment on the whole with so many pull outs...but just the thought of Shewag opening with Afridi just makes the mouth water.It is definitly worth the money till either one of them pull out.

[pakistani pride]

agree hash. Inzi is great he really is taking this serious great he is !