'Hungry' Akhtar, a must for Pak team touring Oz: Mohammad Akram.

Byline: ANI

Islamabad, Nov.10 (ANI): Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Akram has backed controversial pacer Shoaib Akhtar for the forthcoming tour of Australia, saying being one of the most experienced bowlers the country has, the selectors should give him a chance provided he is fit.

In an interview with PakPassion.net, Akram said the tour down-under is one of most challenging assignments for a cricket team, which makes Akhtar a must for the tour.

"Touring Australia isn't for the faint hearted. You need your experienced guys out there, you need the guys out there who won't be phased by the opposition players, you need the guys who aren't going to be intimidated out there,"Akram, who spent some time with Akhtar in London, said.

Akram said the Rawalpinidi Express was recuperating fast following the knee operation that he had in London.

"Shoaib's recovery was going well and he was heeling quickly. However, in my opinion he needs to lose quite a bit of weight," he said.

Akram said Akhtar, once the fastest bowler in the world, was eagerly waiting to recover fully to represent his country once more, as he wants to give a fitting reply to his critics.

"The hunger and desire to play for Pakistan is still very much there and in Shoaib's own words he wants to shut a few of the cricket writers out there who have already written him off," he said. (ANI)

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