ODI series against England "test of character" for India's Gen-Next batsmen: Akram

Islamabad, August 30(ANI): The forthcoming one-day series against England will be a "test of character" for India's young batsmen, who must make themselves count since "the golden generation of Indian middle-order batting is drawing to a close", Pakistan bowling great Wasim Akram has said.

The five-match one-day series between India and England starts on Saturday at Chester-Le-Street, and Akram sees it as a great opportunity for the young Indian batsmen.

"The ODI series will be a test of character for India's young batsmen. The sooner they learn to accept responsibility, the better it is for India,' the Daily Times quoted Akram, as having written on a website.

"India's Generation-Next must make a start in England because the golden generation of Indian middle-order batting is drawing to a close. Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman are all above 35 and they will eventually retire in a couple of years. Can the Kohlis, Rainas and Sharmas make themselves count? This is the time to stand up and deliver because England are on a high and will come really hard at the world champions," he added.

Akram also noted that Indian bowlers would be under the scanner in the ODI series.

"India's Test humiliation was mainly due to an inadequate bowling attack and if it continues in the same vein, Dhoni's team will be in big trouble," he maintained.

Akram welcomed the inclusion of rookie pacer Varun Aaron in the squad, but expressed wonder over the presence of Rudra Pratap Singh, who looked out of sorts in the fourth Test against England at the Oval.

"I wonder what is RP Singh doing in the ODI squad? He was totally off-colour in The Oval Test match and it will be a miracle if he can do something special in the ODIs. It was good decision to include young Jamshedpur quickie Aaron, because India need a fresh pair of legs in both batting and bowling," he stated.

Akram was of the view that the role of spinners would be crucial in the ODI series, and that Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra would have to raise his game.

"Much will depend on the spinners and Mishra has to realise that his main job will be to pick wickets. I was disappointed with Mishra's bowling in the Test matches and Dhoni may not be inclined to play him. Mishra has a lot to learn," he observed. (ANI)