'Tendulkar scared of rising deliveries'

Former Pakistan fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz said that Sachin Tendulkar is afraid of rising deliveries and that is the reason he is getting out cheaply.

Sarfraz is currently in New Delhi on an invitation from the Delhi and District Cricket Association to give tips to young fast bowlers from various states.

"I have been watching Sachin Tendulkar closely and the great batsman is scared of rising deliveries coming to him on the middle and the leg stump. In fact in one of the matches though Sachin was technically not out as he has removed his left hand from the bat when the ball kissed his glove and went for a catch in the short leg region, but he did not stop and kept on walking as if he was saying good riddance," Sarfraz told rediff.com.

Sarfraz defended cricketers taking stamina building tablets or injections because he believes Test cricket is essentially different from other sports.

"How are you going to sustain stamina for five days when you run out of salt and other vitamins? It is not a ninety minutes games where you can sustain your stamina and once the game is over you can take stimulants. Different rules should be framed for cricket by the ICC," he said.

Sarfraz, president of the sports wing of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League, said that the ban on Shoaib Akhtar is totally unjustified and the Pakistan Cricket Board should appoint another committee to have a fresh look at the case.

"You should not select him for the team if you feel he is indisciplined but the ban on him is unjustified and harsh," he said in a response to a question whether Shoaib was a victim of a conspiracy.

Talking about the falling bowling standards of Irfan Pathan, Sarfraz said that Pathan is actually a fast bowler and he should concentrate on his bowling rather than batting.

"It is okay if you score once in  a while with the bat but you cannot win matches through your batting performance. You can do this through your bowling," he said.

He said that the main reason for too many injuries to the Indian or Pakistani fast bowlers is the fact that they do not give their best and bowl half-heartedly in the practice session.

"Then they refuse to change their bowling action that can avoid injuries. Little correction in the bowling action can prevent major fitness problems," the former Pakistani pacer added..

Sarfraz believes that going by current form, he does not see both India and Pakistan even making it to the semi-finals of the World Cup to be held in the West Indies next year.

"On current form Australia looks hot favourite team but I do not see India and Pakistan going too far on their current form. I think under Brian Lara's West Indies team may pose a good challenge," he said.

He criticised the tendencies of the modern coaches to make the cricketers play football during practice and also using too much of gym to keep them fit.

"Have you ever since a footballer playing cricket to keep himself fit? Playing football is different from playing cricket. You should force the boys to take atleast ten laps of the field and make them run between the wickets," he said.