Akram’s advice, Shaheen’s glory

Shaheen Afridi had figures of three for 11 from his first seven overs -- a spell legendary Pakistan left-arm pacer Wasim Akram would have been proud of. Incidentally, Akram was spotted giving tips to the youngster and pacer Mohammed Amir before the start of play at Edgbaston.

When asked what he was saying to Shaheen and Amir before play Akram said: “I told them to focus on the length they’re bowling & field-set for Williamson told Shaheen to bowl fuller than he has been bowling. At this level, small adjustments make all the difference.”

“I asked him [Shaheen] to change his length. He had been bowling too short. I told him to pitch the ball up and attack the batsman. It seems he did listen to my advice,” Akram added on commentary.