Former cricketers Latif, Mahmood back Mohammad Akram for Pak bowling coach

Karachi, Mar 10(ANI): Former Pakistan captain and wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has backed former pacer Mohammad Akram for the post of bowling coach.

Latif reckoned that Akram possesses all requisite skills for the job and can extract the best out of Pakistan's bowlers.

"I think the PCB should appoint Mohammad Akram as I think he is the right man for the job. I've played cricket with and against Akram and also since retiring from international cricket I have played alongside him for the Lashings World XI side. Akram knows the game of cricket very well and he's a very well respected amongst all age groups of cricketers in Pakistan. He has vast experience having played first class cricket for 14 years in Pakistan and England and he has already done a lot of coaching and will be a good addition to the Pakistani set up," PakPassion.net quoted Latif, as saying.

He said Akram should be appointed to the post as a part of the long-term plan rather than for the short term.

Former Pakistan all rounder Azhar Mahmood echoed Latif's view regarding Akram's suitability for the post.

"Mohammad Akram was a very fine bowler himself in international cricket and domestic cricket in England and Pakistan. He knows the art of bowling very well and knows how to bowl in various conditions around the world. He also knows the art of reverse swing and conventional swing and is an experienced campaigner. I think he's ideally suited for the role of Pakistan's bowling coach," he said.

Meanwhile, Akram has confirmed his availability to work as Pakistan's bowling coach.

"I'm available if the Pakistan Cricket Board wants me as the bowling coach. I'm confident that I can work well with Dav Whatmore and Julien Fountain and get the best out of the international bowlers and the up and coming bowlers in Pakistan. I've learnt a lot playing cricket around the world and would like the opportunity to share my knowledge with the current group of Pakistani bowlers," he added. (ANI)