Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has said that former South Africa batsman AB de Villiers “literally started crying” during the Asian Test Championship when he faced Mohammad Asif.
Akhtar added, “VVS Laxman once said, ‘How will I face [Asif]?'” He further said, “After Asif, Bumrah is the smartest fast bowler presently.”
Akhtar Claims AB de Villiers cries when Mohammad Asif bowls him
“Even bigger than Wasim Akram, the guy that I’ve seen bowling is Mohammad Asif. I have actually seen batsmen crying while facing Asif. Laxman once said ‘how will I face this guy’, AB de Villiers literally started crying during the Asian Test Championship.” Akhtar said while speaking on Sports Today.
One of the finest seamers of his time, Asif’s career in competitive cricket came to an end after he was banned by the ICC for five years for indulging in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal in England.
The 38-year-old Asif had formed a potent pairing with Akhtar during their time in top-flight cricket.
Did ABD really cry on facing Asif?
While Akhtar’s claim is gone viral one of the Twitter users claims what Akhtar said was wrong with some strong evidence.
AB De Villiers in the Asian test championship?…which was held in 1999 & 02 – Asif didn’t make his debut till 2005…Akhtar is on another planet.
AB De Villiers in the Asian test championship?…which was held in 1999 & 02 – Asif didn’t make his debut till 2005…Akhtar is on a another planet. pic.twitter.com/AgA82ASFHv
— AmerCric (@Amermalik12) January 2, 2021
Akhtar Praises Jasprit Bumrah
Akhtar added that Jasprit Bumrah is the smartest fast bowler in present times.
“But I think after Asif, Bumrah is the smartest fast bowler presently. People were doubtful about his fitness in Test cricket, even I was watching him closely. He has a quick bouncer, is deceptive and sharp and a good character this guy is,” Akhtar said.
