Wasim urges a role for Athers (29 April 1998)

29 April 1998

Wasim urges a role for Athers

Lancashire Evening Telegraph

WASIM Akram believes Mike Atherton will become an integral part of a new-look England.

The Lancashire captain backed his team mate as the Red Rose county began their bid to reclaim Benson & Hedges Cup glory with a mouth-watering group clash with Warwickshire at Old Trafford today.

Atherton, who quit as England captain at the end of the West Indies tour, has failed in the two innings he's had for Lancashire this season, but Wasim said: "Mike is still a great player - one of the best openers in the world and it would be foolish for England to ignore him.

"He looks as keen and as hungry and confident as I've ever seen him, and that's good news for us and England. Of course he needs a few runs as quickly as possible, but I'm sure they're not far away."

Wasim, who quit his own captaincy of Pakistan last year, also urged the England selectors to resist the temptation to appoint Alec Stewart as Atherton's replacement.

"Alec is a good player, but it would not be long-term," he said. "England need stability and to build for the future straight away.

"The choice is between Nasser Hussain and Mark Ramprakash. Adam Hollioake doesn't even come into it, because he is not in the Test side and I don't agree with the policy of having two different captains for Test and one-day internationals. "Whoever gets it, I think we'll see a different England this year, either in personnel or in their attitude. For me, other Test playing countries - including Pakistan - want to win when we step out on the field. We want it so badly, we'll do anything to succeed. England are still not quite like that."

Wasim was set to come face-to-face with West Indian superstar Brian Lara today - the first time they would have clashed in county cricket.

Neil Fairbrother failed a late fitness test on his split finger. However, there was good news with the return of Mike Watkinson from injury.

Warwickshire won the toss and elected to bat and reaching 101-3 from 20 overs.

Source :: Lancashire Evening Telegraph (https://www.reednews.co.uk/let/)