Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has criticised Harbhajan Singh’s bowling performance in the first Test at Lord’s. Akram also said that the out-of-form off-spinner should be replaced by leg-spinner Amit Mishra in the second Test.
"Harbhajan looked off-colour at Lord's. He got very little spin, his line was also very bad. On the other hand, Graeme Swann bowled beautifully. He showed a lot of variation," Akram said.
"I do not remember one occasion when he bowled a bad ball. I think it's about time that Mishra came in. English batsmen have traditionally been poor against leg-spinners.”
"To cut it short, Mishra should play in the next match," the former speedster told a website.
Akram also said that India’s pace spearhead Zaheer Khan should not be risked for the second Test because he is not fully fit.
“I do not think Zaheer should play at Trent Bridge if he is not fully fit. India missed him dearly in the Lord's Test.”
There is no point in going in with an unfit player. There is a warm-up coming up against Northants after the second Test and he should eye that. If he bowls without any pain, he should return to the eleven for the third Test," Akram insisted.
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