Don't pressurize Akhtar, says Alam

Lahore, Apr.12 (ANI): Pakistan cricket coach Intikhab Alam is of the view that speedster Shoaib Akhtar should not be pressurized to perform ahead of the forthcoming series against Australia.

"We will be looking closely at Akhtar's fitness and how he comes along in the first match. We don't want to put extra pressure or burden on him. We will try to nurse him through the series as we have other important competitions coming up as well," The Nation quoted Alam, as saying.

He said that both Akhtar and Brett Lee, who is also making a come back in the team after a long gap, should be given time before they get their rhythm back.

Alam said there would be a lot of attention towards both the furious fast bowlers during the five match one-day international series.

The matches would be played from April 22 to May 7 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. (ANI)