Akram can’t see England winning

Wasim Akram, once Andrew Flintoff’s team-mate at Lancashire, has predicted a bright future for him as captain. However, according to Akram, this summer’s Ashes series will be a step too far.

Speaking to correspondents from Fox Sports, Akram made no bones about his tip to win the series, saying “The choice of Flintoff as captain is good but I fear he will be leading a losing team in the forthcoming Ashes”.

“The Australians are going to crush England and only an extraordinary performance can avert the outcome. Every cricketer aspires for captaincy and players like Flintoff excel with responsibility on their shoulders”.

“But he and the England team will have to be ruthless to defend the Ashes, which I fear Australia might not allow them to be.”

Akram went on to state that England’s injury worries, as well as the time it takes to adjust to Australian pitches, were further factors that would work against them.

He summarized his views by stating: “For me Australia are huge favourites and they would be at their worst if they lose.”