What about Wasim?

In the debate over who is the greatest allrounder it would be easy to go for the obvious choices, but I'd like to throw one in from slightly left field. And 'left' is quite appropriate as Wasim Akram was the finest exponent of left-arm pace bowling to have graced the game.

Now, I'll pin my colours to the mast here, I have an allegiance to Lancashire where Wasim's deeds lit up many a match at Old Trafford and beyond. He was obviously an awesome talent with the ball where his toe-crushing, reverse swinging yorkers dismissed some of the game's best batsmen, but also with the willow.

He only has a Test average of 22, I hear everyone yelling at their screen, and that is true but that was partly down to playing half his matches at No. 8 behind a strong Pakistan batting order. Some of his best innings came when Pakistan needed him most; against Australia at Adelaide in 1989-90, against England at Lord's in 1992, and against Zimbabwe at Sheikhupura in 1996-97.

Wasim is among some outstanding players and will face a tough time forcing his way past the likes of Sobers, Botham and Imran, but he shouldn't be forgotton in the search for the greatest allrounder.