Shoaib Akhtar was known for troubling the batters with his pace and bounce.
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar talked about his face-off with Ricky Ponting during the 1999 Test match against Australia in Perth.
Akhtar is arguably one of the best pacers the sport has witnessed. The fast-bowler has always hogged the limelight for his off and on-field antics. Known as Rawalpindi Express, Akhtar broke numerous records, including being the first bowler to officially break the 100 mph speed barrier.
The right-arm pacer was mostly known for his aggressive personality and often sledged the opposition players. During the Test series against Australia in 1999, Akhtar was at his rampaging best as he had a verbal spat with many players from the opposition.
The visitors were 2-0 down in the series. The third match of the series took place in Perth, which is considered the fastest pitch in the world. Akhtar came out all guns blazing in the match and even had a face-off with Ricky Ponting.
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In an interview with Sydney Morning Herald, Shoaib Akhtar recalled the 1999 Perth Test between Australia and Pakistan. He talked about his fiery duel with Ponting and said that he ‘purposely’ bowled bouncers to see if he can match his pace or not.
“During the Test match, I thought [if nothing is happening] let’s hurt somebody. That’s why I bowled the fastest spell. I wanted to see if Ricky can match my pace and I was purposely bowling bouncers [to] see if I could beat him but before that I had never beaten him with my sheer pace. Had it not been Ricky Ponting … I would have chopped his [the batsman’s] head off because it was furiously fast,” Shoaib Akhtar said.
Akhtar revealed that Australians hailed him as Pakistani with an attitude of Australian as he was very aggressive and always gave back to them. He recalled his face-offs with Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden and suggested that there should be ‘unlimited bouncers’ and also bodyline bowling should be allowed.
“[They loved] my aggression because they think I am a Pakistani who has the attitude of an Australian. I gave it to them. In the 2005 series, me and [Justin] Langer got into a fight. Me and [Matt] Hayden got into a fight. It’s verbal, not physical. I wanted to display my talent [and show] that I am better than you.
“They wanted gladiators out there. Nowadays, they are very soft. I don’t think the aggression is as much there now. I don’t know why. I’m old school, like Ian Chappell. I want unlimited bouncers. Bodyline bowling should be allowed. Why not? I want some character,” he said.
Akhtar also talked about his camaraderie with Brett Lee, Ricky Ponting and Jeff Thomson. He called Australia a ‘fascinating place’.
“I’ve been best of friends with Brett Lee and I respected Ricky Ponting. The warmth I got from Australians was amazing. Jeff Thomson’s house in Brisbane was like a second home to me. Sadly my mother passed away two months ago but she went to Australia and loved it. It’s the most fascinating place,” he said.
(Sydney Morning Herald inputs)