Ahead of the World Test Championship, various legends of Test cricket took part in a talk show called ‘An Afternoon with Test Cricket Legends’. The show featured Harsha Bhogle, Ravi Shastri, Ricky Ponting, and Wasim Akram in a segment when Akram went on to say something controversial that has attracted a lot of attention from fans on social media.
The legendary Pakistan pacer said, “Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson are the legends in this era, they are the ultimate icons. Babar Azam is now catching up with these legends. Test cricket needs such icons and characters.” Fans have not really approved of Akram’s assessment of Babar Azam. Moreover, they are also not happy with Akram bringing up Babar Azam’s name in a discussion that had nothing about the emerging Pakistan star batter.
Wasim Akram recently celebrated his 57th birthday
Wasim, who celebrated his 57th birthday on June 3, is regarded as one of the all-time great pacers, having amassed 414 Test wickets throughout his illustrious 17-year career. The left-armer, who was one of the best swing bowlers, is aware that both India and Australia will have enough chances to get The Oval pitch moving when the one-off World Test Championship Final starts on Wednesday.
Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, two seasoned fast bowlers, will be the core of India’s pace attack. All-rounder Shardul Thakur is also a potential starter, with Jaydev Unadkat and Umesh Yadav a possibility if the team’s selectors decide to field an additional seamer. Wasim has also urged India’s quick bowlers to bowl with patience and avoid dropping too early in their spells against Australia’s top order.
“These guys are experienced, and they shouldn’t get carried away (with the new ball),” Wasim said. “We all know it swings for 10 to 15 overs, so don’t give away extra runs in the first 10 to 15 overs as a fast bowler. (Early on) don’t get too excited if there is a bit of bounce as that is what the Australians want,” he added.
Here’s how fans reacted:
AoA
mazaq me bhi jhoot nhi bolna chahye
— Cricscientia (@cricscientia) June 4, 2023
Did anybody ask for his opinion about babar!!!
— Fatima Sattar (@Khud_Ki_Khushi) June 4, 2023
Catching up with 9 test tons at the age of almost 29?
— Pallavi Paul (@Pallavi_paul21) June 4, 2023
Source : 3000 quintal Atta in Pakistan
— time square ?? (@time__square) June 5, 2023
He's been up there with them & ahead of them in 2 formats . What he saying ?
— Musa (@InfernoKnight09) June 4, 2023
Pehle ghar pe jeet lo test series uske baad catch up ki baatein karo … filhaal harvard mein kya gyaan pel raha hai phata speaker aur woh nautanki bkl
— Kevin (@enigmaacertijo5) June 4, 2023
Wasim Akram trying to confirm his commentary job for the world cup
— sadia salam (@sadia_hrm) June 4, 2023
Congratulations? pic.twitter.com/K48DoDsQ1R
— Hoor???? (@mjynhiptah) June 4, 2023