ABU DHABI // If there is consolation to England after their defeat in Dubai against Pakistan, it is that their batsmen were not the only ones who struggled to decipher Saeed Ajmal's doosra.
Adnan Akmal, Pakistan's wicketkeeper, also struggled a little to pick it. Akmal took seven catches in a successful Test for him - he scored a vital 61 as well - although he only took one off Ajmal's bowling and missed a couple of difficult chances off him.
"It's a bit different and difficult," Akmal said. "Every time I keep wickets I watch his hand and I've practised a lot on Ajmal's bowling. It's only after that that I am doing better on his bowling."
Akmal has been working with Ijaz Ahmed, the fielding coach, sessions he said he has benefited greatly from.
His contributions, however, will have soothed Pakistan considerably. Touted as the best pure wicketkeeper in Pakistan for a number of years, he was behind his own elder brother Kamran in the pecking order.
But Kamran's poor form allowed Akmal to debut in November 2010, and apart from a brief exclusion on the trip to the West Indies last May, he has been a regular.
"I am a wicketkeeper first so I enjoy my keeping and then batting is my plus point. Kamran always guided me. I have learnt a lot from him as he has played more cricket than me.
COMPANY%20PROFILE%3A
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
MATCH INFO
Juventus 1 (Dybala 45')
Lazio 3 (Alberto 16', Lulic 73', Cataldi 90 4')
Red card: Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus)
liverpool youngsters
Ki-Jana Hoever
The only one of this squad to have scored for Liverpool, the versatile Dutchman impressed on his debut at Wolves in January. He can play right-back, centre-back or in midfield.
Herbie Kane
Not the most prominent H Kane in English football but a 21-year-old Bristolian who had a fine season on loan at Doncaster last year. He is an all-action midfielder.
Luis Longstaff
Signed from Newcastle but no relation to United’s brothers Sean and Matty, Luis is a winger. An England Under-16 international, he helped Liverpool win the FA Youth Cup last season.
Yasser Larouci
An 18-year-old Algerian-born winger who can also play as a left-back, Larouci did well on Liverpool’s pre-season tour until an awful tackle by a Sevilla player injured him.
Adam Lewis
Steven Gerrard is a fan of his fellow Scouser, who has been on Liverpool’s books since he was in the Under-6s, Lewis was a midfielder, but has been converted into a left-back.
Business Insights
- Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports
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- US domestic suppliers might benefit from higher prices, but overall oil consumption is expected to decrease due to elevated costs
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
