I will follow aggressive policy like Wasim bhai : Malik

Karachi, Apr 21 (UNI) Pakistan's newly appointed captain Shoaib Malik said he wants to emulate the ''aggressive'' approach of former 'ideal' skipper Wasim Akram to take the team forward.

The all-rounder revealed that he was never interested in the captaincy ''but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has entrusted a big responsibility to me. And I will try my level best to come up to the board's expectations.'' Malik said Akram was his ideal captain and he wanted to emulate the aggressive approach of Wasim bhai in matches.

''Wasim bhai is my ideal captain and I want to be an aggressive skipper like him,'' he told 'Daily Times'.

''I don't like a defensive approach because aggressive approach helps you win matches. And I also like New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming because of his leadership qualities and forceful approach in cricket matches.

''Fleming is a brilliant captain,'' he added.

Malik said his first priority was to boost the team's sagging confidence after their disastrous World Cup campaign.

''I am expecting hundred percent support from all senior and junior team-mates to put Pakistan back on winning track in international cricket,'' he said.

Although he did not meet his senior colleagues after being appointed, he said he was hoping to win their confidence.

''Though I have not been able to have a chat with my senior colleagues but I am sure they will give their full support to me because Pakistan require unity and discipline to meet the formidable challenges ahead,'' he said.

''I know that team morale is not very high, self-confidence is low and my job will be to get back the high positions for the team.

It is still a very good team,'' Malik said.

On the forthcoming series against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi, he said it would provide Pakistan an opportunity to restart its international campaign.

''There is a long gap before the Twenty20 World Cup (in Sept 2007) in South Africa but, thankfully, we now have a series and that too against one of the best sides which is good for us,'' Malik said.

He also paid tribute to coach Bob Woolmer, who was found murdered in his hotel room the day after the defeat.

''Woolmer was the best coach and a great human being. It is not easy for all of us to digest his loss, it was shocking but life has to move on,'' he concluded.

UNI