Inzamam's absence prompted Shoaib to miss training camp: Akram

Lahore, May 28 (UNI) Worried at the growing incidents of indiscipline in the Pakistan team, former Test star Wasim Akram said Shoaib Akhtar would not have missed the ongoing training camp for the tour of England if skipper Inzamam-ul Haq had been a part of it.

''Discipline always comes from the top and if Inzamam reports at the camp, Shoaib would also be there,'' Akram told the ''Dawn'' here.

The mercurial pacer has not yet joined the camp and efforts to contact him have proved futile. The camp, got underway two-days ago and top players -- apart from Shoaib and Inzamam -- have been missing from it. The other notable absentees include all-rounder Shahid Afridi and pacer Mohammad Asif, who are busy with club commitments in England.

However, despite his wayward ways, Akram believes Shoaib remains a match winner, who has to be handled carefully to preserve him for big tournaments.

''Shoaib is a match-winner and he has proved it on various occasions. The team requires a bowler of his calibre in England,'' he said.

Akram said next month's fielding camp under Jonty Rhodes was a good idea but the South African needs more then just a fortnight to deliver.

''A long-term planning is essential to improve fielding instead of calling Jonty for two weeks only,'' he said, ruling out any miraculous improvement in the Pakistani fielding.

Akram said the appointment of Waqar Younis as bowling coach was a good decision as his former pace partner was ideal for the job.

''Waqar has always wanted to coach bowlers and I hope he will do justice to the job,'' he said.

UNI XC PM GC1237