Waqar hails Wasim as most talented Pakistan cricketer ever

Waqar Younis has hailed Wasim Akram as 'the most talented cricketer Pakistan has ever produced' ahead of the great all-rounder's 100th Test apperance.

Waqar will miss out on Wasim's big moment after contracting a virus but today he paid tribute to his long-time bowling partner, with whom he has shared a partnership spanning 49 Tests claiming 472 wickets.

"We have always produced lots of talent in Pakistan, but he is probably the most talented ever - to take over 400 wickets in Tests and one-day internationals is quite incredible," said Waqar, who not always enjoyed the most friendly relations with his partner off the field.

"I had a great time bowling at the other end to him, it was a great challenge because we pushed each other on by the level of our performances.

"It is a healthy sign when that happens and because we had competition between us, it helped the side win a lot of series in the time we bowled together.

"We needed that aggression in the game, I think all bowlers need someone at the other end who is bowling better than they are so they are pushed to improve."

"There have been ups and downs in our relationship, but when we were on the field we were playing for Pakistan we always gave our best. We've had our differences in the past but it's all been sorted out.

"We are friends and we're bound to have differences, but things are fine between us now. In fact, I'm very proud of our partnership and the way we've played our cricket."

In Waqar's place, Abdur Razzaq will share the new ball with Wasim, who produced a devstating spell of bowling on the final day of the Lahore Test to dismiss Marcus Trescothick and send England captain Nasser Hussain packing with a bruised hand.

"The England batsmen were scared of him because he was bowling that fast," claimed Pakistan captain Moin Khan.

"None of them were coming onto the front foot as much during that spell.

"I told Wasim yesterday that he must win this match for us because it's his 100th Test. I told him he needed to work hard, which you should do in every Test, but I thought it was worth reminding him."

Moin will also be calling on 18-year-old leg-spinner Danish Kaneria to swing things in Pakistan's favour while off-spinner Arshad Khan could also be selected.

Leg-spinner Kaneria has taken 34 wickets, including one haul of seven for 39, in five domestic first class matches and was withdrawn from last week's Pakistan Cricket Board XI against the tourists to keep the element of mystery about him for the Test.

"He's a quicker leg-spinner than Mushtaq Ahmed. He's tall, has good variation and is very similar to Shahid Afridi, but he's unknown to England because none of them have seen him and that is why he may have the edge."