(Photo by Neal Simpson/EMPICS via Getty Images)
The match was effectively over on the opening day, when England slumped from 3-182 to 207 all out. And as usual, the duo played a big part in Pakistan’s ten-wicket win, sharing 15 wickets among themselves. Wasim finished 45 not out, while Waqar contributed 20.Īfter England won the fourth Test at Headingley, this became the decider. After an hour of nail-biting action, they took Pakistan home for a two-wicket win late on the fourth evening. Waqar played every ball on its merits, while Wasim curbed his natural stroke making. But both responded to the demands of the situation. While Waqar never had much of a reputation as a batsman, Wasim was known for his big hitting. It was at this stage that the two Ws got together. Inzamam-ul-Haq ran himself out and the leg spinner Ian Salisbury got into the act, restricting Pakistan to 8-95. The Pakistan target was only 138, but Pakistan being Pakistan, their top order made a real mess of it.Ĭhris Lewis dismissed Ramiz Raja, Asif Mujtaba and skipper Javed all for ducks as the tourists slumped to 3-18. Wasim took 4-66 as England managed only 175 in their second knock. He missed the first Test, but made a triumphant return here. In fact, there were doubts about him playing in this series. He was sent home from Australia prior to the World Cup due to injury. But then Waqar got his reverse swing going after tea as England slumped from 2-172 to 255 all out. The home side made a fine start as their opening pair of Graham Gooch and Alec Stewart shared a stand of 123. This was especially memorable for the duo, as they not only bowled well, but they had to contribute with the bat to secure a victory for their team. Here, I will recall some memorable matches where the two Ws combined to lead the Pakistan team to greater heights. They used the bouncer as a surprise weapon, but their lethal yorkers were their main weapon. Unlike the West Indies quickies, they didn’t go for relentless short-pitched bowling. And before the decade was over, reverse swing was accepted as a major novelty in the game of cricket.Īnd both had great in-swinging yorkers.
It just seemed that the England batsmen were not prepared for it. Of course, during the tour to England in 1992, there were all kinds of controversy regarding this reverse swing. While Sarfraz Nawaz is generally accepted as the pioneer in this field, the two Ws were the first ones to perfect it. And the words ‘reverse swing’ were always associated with the duo. A major ingredient of their success was the superb fast bowling by the two Ws, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.
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