Pakistan keeper Akmal succeeds after Gilchrist help

LAHORE, Nov 13 (Reuters) Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal overcame a bad patch with a blistering knock of 78 against West Indies today and credited Australia's Adam Gilchrist for the turnaround in form.

Akmal's place in the team had been under scrutiny after he struggled in England and in the recent Champions Trophy in India.

''I spoke to Gilchrist in India and he gave me some useful tips,'' Akmal told reporters.

''I learnt things from him and have worked hard with coach Bob Woolmer to improve on my game. It felt good to get some runs today as the pitch was sluggish. It has helped me regain my confidence,'' he added.

The 24-year old, who has scored 1,331 runs and made 106 dismissals in 28 tests said he the pressure had got to him when his form dropped.

''It was my first tour to England and the pitches seamed a bit. I found it hard to adjust as keeper and batsman,'' he said.

Akmal ended the 12-year reign of Pakistani wicketkeepers, Rashid Latif and Moin Khan when he made his debut in 2002 but only cemented his place in the side in 2004.

REUTERS PDS VV2018