Wasim reverse swings into the Rose Bowl

Speaking exclusively with Wisden CricInfo during the Double Wicket World Championship in St. Lucia, Wasim Akram spoke of his excitement at his new role at Hampshire.

What approach would Wasim be taking to his spell at the Rose Bowl? "I want to go there as a team man, and help the new captain grow into his role, working with him and the players to analyse the game while we're playing."

And the captaincy? "It was a great honour to be asked, but I've done my captaincy stint."

Wasim is obviously motivated by the coming season. "I'm going into a young side, a lot of talent there, and that motivates me for this challenge. Whoever is captain will get my full support, and I'll go into the side to teach them what I've learnt over the years, that success takes a lot of sacrifice and a lot of hard work."

And teaching the bowlers how to bowl reverse swing? "Yes, and teaching them that reverse swing is more about knowing when it is going to happen rather than how to bowl it."

Wasim is respectful of the legacy of great overseas players who have played for Hampshire. He singles out West Indies legend Malcolm Marshall. "Malcolm Marshall was the best fast bowler I've ever seen, the best ever in cricketing history. He could analyse a batsman in a split second, and go straight over to the captain with a plan of attack."

When asked whether the Rose Bowl pitch was a factor in his decision, Wasim replies with a customary glint in his eye, "I've done my homework."

He prioritises motivation and the morale of any side in which he is involved. And Hampshire supporters can play a big part in that motivation. "I would say to the players and the supporters that the team needs backing when they are not doing well. Be patient, back the players, and they will come out winners in the end."

Clearly the criticism of the Pakistan side during the World Cup has disappointed Wasim, but he is honest about their performance. "It was one of those tournaments where no one clicked. Not one player performed. It was disappointing for the team and for all the individual players." But he feels Waqar has been unfairly made a scapegoat "There is no point blaming the captain."

Was there a root cause to this malaise? "Not really. We wanted to win, we trained well, we had lots of team meetings, analysed opponents on video. It's just that we never looked like winning."

And for the future? "If the PCB want me to help in any capacity, I'll be there. I want to give something back to cricket. What I'm not going to do is stand on the sidelines and criticise the players or the board."

Wasim Akram has the unique record of 500 one-day international wickets. But he is completely credible when he says that it hasn't sunk in yet. "If we had done well, it would matter a lot. But because we didn't even qualify for the Super Six. I imagine it will mean more in the long term when I'm telling my sons about it. For now, it doesn't count."

A fresh and motivated Wasim Akram comes across as a man who is determined to give something back to cricket. And Hampshire players and supporters can count themselves very lucky that the Pakistan great has chosen the Rose Bowl as the starting point in his mission.