'Nehra Reminds Me Of Me...'

Ashish Nehra cheer up! Legendary Pakistan bowler WasimAkram says the young Indian bowler reminds him of himself whenever he sees Nehrabowl.

And notwithstanding Imran Khan's opinion, Akram feelsSachin Tendulkar is a match-winner.

In an interview, Akram also asked countrymate ShoaibAkhtar to shut up and just let the ball do the talking. He was referring to a recent ban on the Pakistani speedster forusing abusive language at a South African batsman.

Akram, here to ink a deal with ESPN-Star Sports to jointheir commentary team, said Nehra was an exciting prospect for India and hoped hewould be fit in time for India's upcoming tour of Australia.

"He (Nehra) reminds me of me when I was 15especially because of his run-up. He is also lanky and passionate," saidthe former speedster on whom Nehra has modelled his bowling action.

Nehra, who rose to prominence after his exploits at theWorld Cup in South Africa early this year, is currently undergoing arehabilitation programme for an injured ankle.

Akram does not agree with Imran who recently saidin an interview that Tendulkar could not qualify as a match winner.

"Sachin won the match for India against us atCenturion. I don't understand who is a match-winner if Sachin is not. Any playercannot win matches for his team everytime he comes on to the field.

But asked to name his all-time favourite batsman, Akram has no hesitation insaying it is the West Indian great Vivian Richards.

"There was no one like Viv and there will be noone like him... It is the entire package... the way he would walk down and glareinstead of me glaring at him. He had an aura about him."

The 36-year-oldAkram who quit international cricket in May this year, has a sound piece ofadvice for controversy-prone Shoaib.

"Jyada baat nahin kare (he should not talk much).He should concentrate on performing. There is no use giving excuses. He shouldlet the ball do the talking." But Akram does feel that the game'sadministrators have become a "bit too strict".

"Aggression has been a part of the game. Earlier,it was discreet but now it is evident more because of TV replays and all.

"Some aggression adds to the charm of the game. Ifyou are too strict you rob away that charm. The fast bowlers are justified inglaring to intimidate the batsmen and giving vent to their frustration somewhat.But of course swearing and sledging is not the right thing because youngstersare watching."

Akram, who wanted to play his last match against India,either at home or away, said it was a dream which could not come true.

"It would have been a perfect way to bring my career to an end. But thennothing in life is perfect. I have no regrets," said Akram who wants thetwo countries to leave politics aside and resume bilateral cricketing ties.

Akram is pained to see the state of affairs of thecurrent Pakistan team and says the cricket board should shun its policy ofpick-and-drop.

"They will have to stick with 20 players andprepare them with an eye on the future. I think Inzy (Inzamam-ul-Haq) and YousufYouhana are good choices for captain and vice-captain keeping in mind the nextWorld Cup.

"But then if there is an injury to either of thetwo players then we are stuck because we do not have good back up. The sameproblem is with India. There is no player who we can name as replacements forSachin or Saurav Ganguly or Rahul Dravid.

"Australia, on the other hand realised long agothat back-up is the key. They invested in academies and are reaping the benefitsnow," he said.

An avid fan of Bollywood flicks, Akram is quite"excited" about his new role as a commentator.

"I have played for 20 long years for a wonderfulteam. I hope I will be able to talk about it too," said Akram who admittedthat given a chance he would have liked to quit the game in bettercircumstances.

Akram was dropped from the side after Pakistan's firstround ouster from the World Cup before he announced his retirement frominternational cricket.

But he carries no grudges saying he is content and atpeace with himself.

PTI