Wasim Akram was just 18 and an absolute unknown when he first harpooned Australia with a whippy ferocity which stunned the early arrivals at the MCG this pleasant February morning.
Playing only his fourth ODI and first against Australia, Wasim took the first five wickets for 13 runs — three bowled, one caught and Allan Border hit his wicket. Australia slumped to 5-42. Game over.
In the next 15 years, ‘Wasi’ became one of the legends of the game. Some believe that he could well be the finest pace bowler from any country and any era. With almost 1000 wickets in 460 matches, his whirring high pace reverse swingers and yorkers from around the wicket changed forever bowling conventions.
Unearthed by one of his heroes Imran Khan on Pakistan’s tour of Australasia in 1984-85, ‘Wasi’ loved Melbourne and Melburnians loved him. In front of almost 90,000 in the 1991 World Cup final he dominated with both bat and ball to lift Pakistan to a magnificent victory in the final against England… on the very first day the Great Southern Stand was officially open.
With a highest Test score of 257 not out, three Test 100s and 31 five-for hauls in internationals, his record as one of the premier allrounders in history is forever assured
Wasi is here in Melbourne as a tv commentator. What a privilege it is to hear from the great man… one of cricket’s true champions, a gracious, modest family man who remains at the top of any cricketing Hall of Fame.
MELBOURNE: Tuesday, 27th December , Kooyong 7pm
Event booking via
Wayne Ross – 0416 983 888
info@australiancricketsociety.
Banking Details BSB: 633-000; Account: 143226314.
Members $100 Guests $100
*Please include your surname with “XMAS”, (ie: MANNINGXMAS) if paying directly into the Account.