Lancashire: Wasim urges new title push (21 Sep 1998)

21 September 1998

Wasim urges new title push

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph

Wasim Akram signed off from Lancashire after coming within an ace of his Championship dream - and urged them to go one better next year.

Lancashire completed a 161-run victory over Hampshire at Old Trafford yesterday morning to clinch second place in the table, their best finish since 1987.

There were only 150 or so spectators there to see it, but there were still emotional scenes as Wasim was applauded off the field by his team mates and waved at the crowd from the dressing room balcony.

"I wish the club all the luck in the world," said Wasim after his 11 year association with Lancashire had been brought to an end by the county's decision to sign Muttiah Muralitharan for next season.

"I can't see them being anything but successful. Murali will fit into the pictured easily and Lancashire have a bright future if all the good young players emerge.

"I would like to thank the supporters with all my heart,

I have had a wonderful time here. It has been good to win trophies, but the thing I have enjoyed most is playing cricket and being in the company of a great bunch of people.

"I have learned a lot in my time here, and I think I have improved as a person as well as a cricketer."

Lancashire took the chance to confirm John Crawley as Wasim's successor as captain next summer, after his impressive work as vice captain this year.

Source :: Lancashire Evening Telegraph (http://www.reednews.co.uk/let/)

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