Wasim Akram warns Indian pacers not to lose patience as they gears up for WTC final against Australia

Regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the game, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram shared an important message for Indian fast bowlers as they prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. Akram recommended the Indian pacers to be patient on The Oval pitch, which promises to assist the bowlers with pace, better carry and plenty of movement.

Rohit Sharma and co will take on Pat Cummins' side in the final of the second edition of the WTC from June 7 to 11. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami will lead the Indian pace attack comprising Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat and Umesh Yadav.

Sharing his views ahead of the Ultimate Test, Akram advised Shami and Co to be patient against the top-ranked team in the WTC 2021-23 cycle. The former left-arm pacer said that the Indian bowlers are experienced and should not get carried away with the new ball.

"These guys are experienced, and they shouldn’t get carried away (with the new ball). We all know it swings for 10 to 15 overs, so don't give away extra runs in the first 10 to 15 overs as a fast bowler. (Early on) don’t get too excited if there is a bit of bounce as that is what the Australians want," Akram told the Cricket Governing Body.

Akram picked Australia as the favourite to win the WTC

Akram, who claimed his best Test figures (6/67) in England at The Oval, had earlier picked Australia as favourites to win the WTC final. "They are the well-deserved teams and meant to be here in the final," he said. Former India coach Ravi Shastri and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting have also backed Australia to become champions in the longest format.

Akram added that the Oval pitch generally favours teams from the subcontinent but the current playing conditions are different from his era. "This pitch normally favours teams from the sub-continent, but whenever we toured here... it was always at the end of August or the start of September. This one is in June, the square is different, fresh square, and the ball is different altogether as a Dukes," the former Pakistan pacer added.