Aamer Sohail shows concern about Umar Akmal keeping wickets – Cricket News Update
The former left handed opening batsman and Pakistan captain, Aamer Sohail is not convinced about Umar Akmal performing as a make-shift wicketkeeper in limited-overs cricket for Pakistan.
Pakistan has historically produced a number of high-quality wicketkeeper/batsmen like Wasim Bari, Tasleem Arif, Saleem Yousuf, Moin Khan, Rashid Latif and Kamran Akmal. Currently the Green Shirts are struggling to find a young wicketkeeper who can make important
contributions with the bat as well.
Kamran has been an integral part of the Pakistan team since last seven years but poor keeping and a slump in batting has forced the selectors to look at youngsters.
Adnan Akmal and Sarfraz Ahmed have been given chances in the past 12 months. Both of them have looked impressive behind the stumps but they have failed to make an impact with the bat.
For this reason, the Pakistan team has been contemplating using Umar Akmal as a wicketkeeper in ODI matches for the last four months.
While speaking to pakpassion, Aamer opined that Akmal is one of the most talented batsmen in Pakistan and he may go through a lean patch due to the extra burden of keeping wickets, but he did admit that the young middle order batsman is not doing a bad job.
Aamer said, “I’m still not totally convinced by the policy of selecting Umar Akmal in the wicket-keeping position in the 50-over format, like he does in Twenty20s. However, when we actually analyse his performances, he hasn’t actually done badly at all behind
the stumps.”
Aamer further added that Umar looks comfortable behind the stumps, and this tactic gives Pakistan depth in the batting.
“Umar Akmal appears to be happy behind the stumps and as long as he feels his batting is not going to be hampered by the additional responsibility, then overall I would say it’s fine to continue with this strategy. It also gives Pakistan an extra batsman
and it’s a matter of needs must at the moment,” said the former Pakistan captain.
Pakistan and England play a four match ODI series, starting February 13 at Abu Dhabi.