Akram cautions: “Too early to judge” Pakistan after Canberra practice match

• Too early to judge Pakistan based on Canberra performance.
• New management and captain need time to adjust.
• Perth Test will be a “big challenge” due to bouncy pitch.

Before the much awaited first Test against Australia in Perth, former legendary bowler Wasim Akram has offered his thoughts on Pakistan’s performance in the practice match.

Speaking with a local sports outlet recently, Akram made it clear that it could be too soon to make any major conclusions from the Canberra warm-up.

“Canberra is too early. OK, the captain got 200 … they got some runs, so there’s a bit of confidence. (But) new management, new captain. It will take time, especially at the first Test match in Perth. We know the pitch is very bouncy, different pitch altogether from Canberra. It’ll be a big Test for this team,” Akram said.

In a four-day practice match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, the national squad was captained by Shan Masood, the recently appointed captain of Pakistan in Test cricket.

Masood demonstrated his leadership qualities by hitting a stunning 201* in the opening session, forcing the team to declare at 391 runs with nine wickets remaining.

As a result of PM’s XI’s impressive batting outburst in reply, which saw them score 367 runs while losing just 4 wickets, the game was tied.

The left-hand hitter will lead the Men in Green in a three-match Test series against Cummins-led Australia, which is slated to begin in Perth on December 14.

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