Akram: It was a boring series

[Andy]

Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram tags the just-concluded India-Sri Lanka Test series as tedious.

India may have drawn the Test series after the win in the last match at Colombo against Sri Lanka on Saturday but it has to be admitted that it was one of the most boring series to watch, says former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram. Speaking exclusively to ESPNSTAR, Akram said sparse crowds, dead pitches and slow tracks were the reasons why the series was far from exciting. “Fast bowlers got murdered and it was not fun at all, believe me,†exclaimed Akram. “The 1-1 draw is a fair result but it has to be said that apart from two or three brilliant performances, it was a dull series,†he added. However, batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, who made an important 54 on the final day at the P Sara Oval, caught Akram’s eye. “Sachin was tremendous in the series; he scored those runs in the hour of need. Also, his double ton in the second game at the SSC, that helped India save the Test, was one of the highlights of the series,†he said. Awarded man of the match for his match-winning unbeaten 103, VVS Laxman too drew praises from the former pace mogul. “Laxman got an amazing hundred under pressure, India were struggling at 62 for 4 and his contribution went a long way towards the successful Indian chase. Experience is very important in Test cricket and Laxman executed it by staying right there till the end,†said the ESPN STAR commentator. One of the major reasons why India have managed to maintain their numero uno status in Test rankings is Virender Sehwag’s brilliance at the top of the order and according to the former Pakistan skipper, the Delhi dazzler has changed the dynamics of the five-day game with his swashbuckling approach. “Sehwag is a phenomenal player. It does not matter whether he is playing Twenty20s or ODIs or Tests, he never changes his game and that’s where his strength lies. He has such strong and quick reflexes.. He judges the line and length of the ball to perfection and plays positive attacking strokes. He has almost single-handedly changed the approach of an opening batsman. Instead of the conventional thinking that openers have to weather the new-ball storm, Sehwag takes to the attack and forces the bowlers on the backfoot,†he said. Akram also praised the Indian batting, which he believes, is as strong as it could get. “India have got a very strong batting attack with Rahul Dravid and Sachin coming in at 3 and 4, Laxman comes at 5, Suresh Raina at 6 and Mahendra Singh Dhoni at 7, so this experienced line-up augers well for them,†he concluded.

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[DomainK]

Two tests produced results in a three test series. What else he wants?

[punjabi_khota]

I think it was pretty boring too ...:mad:..except the last test I would guess...subpar bowling, and ****ed up pitch in the second test for starters

[nballa]

Two tests produced results in a three test series. What else he wants?

three results in three tests maybe?

[fineleg]

Only third Test had a good pitch. On flat tracks, Jayawoddina & ilk are very boring.

[Sachinism]

I guess he is Pakistani again then

[Asim]

Now having Akram said that, a PAKISTANI, most of you guys will definetly oppose it (for the sake of opposing only) but that’s really true and if u realistically review the whole series day by day or session by session... u will feel easily more than 80% of the time it was all too boring and too predictable except few moments ... and 2ndly I believe test matches with "results" don't always provide excitment, now many times drawn matches are far more thrilling to watch. Ideal example: recently a test series bw SA n Eng... 2 drawn matches were just fantastic and absolutly thrilling till thelast ball as compared to 2 other matches with results... http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/387554.html

[veer]

ahhh..the guy is stating the obvious..

[yoda]

2nd test was a bore fest, 1st and 3rd were far from.

[Serani]

To be honest I find pretty much every test in Asia boring.

[Zap_Brannigan]

Now having Akram said that, a PAKISTANI, most of you guys will definetly oppose it (for the sake of opposing only) but that’s really true and if u realistically review the whole series day by day or session by session... u will feel easily more than 80% of the time it was all too boring and too predictable except few moments ... and 2ndly I believe test matches with "results" don't always provide excitment, now many times drawn matches are far more thrilling to watch. Ideal example: recently a test series bw SA n Eng... 2 drawn matches were just fantastic and absolutly thrilling till thelast ball as compared to 2 other matches with results... http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/387554.html

A opinion opposed by many , whether it is said by a paki or a indian is still going to be opposed by many. Sl Vs Ind, wasnt exactly Ind Vs Aus but it had its moments esp the 3rd test was exciting in every single session. Instead of comparing it with the best, lets compare it with the Eng Vs Pak series. Obviously, a lot of us here consider pak getting banged in every session a tad bit monotonous and in this series against Eng, that has been main course yet again. Pak has won a couple of session and that required a immense rear guard action by playing really slowly and that too was boring. So far, this Eng vs Pak has been really boring.

[seedhi]

Of course, now that Sush dumped him ...

[The Dark Horse]

But some people are happy enough with the pitches in the sub-continent(:giggle:)

[Pioneer]

A opinion opposed by many , whether it is said by a paki or a indian is still going to be opposed by many. Sl Vs Ind, wasnt exactly Ind Vs Aus but it had its moments esp the 3rd test was exciting in every single session. Instead of comparing it with the best, lets compare it with the Eng Vs Pak series. Obviously, a lot of us here consider pak getting banged in every session a tad bit monotonous and in this series against Eng, that has been main course yet again. Pak has won a couple of session and that required a immense rear guard action by playing really slowly and that too was boring. So far, this Eng vs Pak has been really boring.

:hysterical:

[Nova]

I found it boring....except couple days of play. Also after watching SKySports coverage, I feel like smacking myself when hearing our commentary panel.

[Laaloo]

I found it boring....except couple days of play. Also after watching SKySports coverage' date=' I feel like smacking myself when hearing our commentary panel.[/quote'] Russel Arnold :woot:

[b555]

the pitches werent fine .. last test was ok

[b555]

Russel Arnold :woot:

:rotfl:

[Roshanrocks]

honestly he is true, the first two tests were boring, the last test turned interesting only when sri lanka collapsed in the second innings.

[Show_stopper]

Well I agree with him...just look at Pak tests. Now thats what you call exciting!!