Pak team making 'fool of itself' in UAE ODI's: Shoaib Akhtar

Islamabad, Feb 17 (ANI): Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar feels that the national cricket team is making a fool of itself in the ongoing one-day series against England in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

"They have made a fool and joke out of themselves in the first two matches. And if they do not improve quickly, I fear they could lose the series 4-0," the Daily Times quoted Shoaib, as saying after Pakistan suffered second straight defeat in the four-match series on Wednesday.

Akhtar also slammed captain Misbahul Haq, who led Pakistan to a stunning 3-0 whitewash against England in the Test series, for failing to be 'strict with the players'.

"Misbah needs to be more strict with the players. The way Imran Farhat, Umar Akmal and Shahid Afridi got out today, I think Misbah needs to tell them what is expected of them as senior players. When Umar was batting and trying needless strokes, what was Misbah doing? He should have spoken to him. If Misbah doesn't get strict and press the red button I don't think we can win this series," Shoaib said.

He also felt that Misbah needed to be more aggressive as a captain in the one-dayers.

"We have the best spinners in the world but they were not turning the ball even in day time. I think instead of containing roles Misbah needs to be use them to get wickets. He should be attacking more with his field placements and bowlers," Shoaib added.

Waqar had also echoed similar views after the match, urging Misbah to be more proactive.

"He has to realise that he can't play the waiting game in one-day cricket. It worked and works in Test cricket but you can't sit around waiting for things to happen in one-day cricket. I think he needs to attack more," he added. (ANI)