Nehra shocked by Akthar’s remarks

Ashish Nehra, who found Shoaib Akhtar a friendly person, is shocked by Pak pacer's remarks

Nehra shocked by Akthar's remarks

Ashish Nehra, who found Shoaib Akhtar a friendly person, is shocked by Pak pacer's remarks

Ashish Nehra has expressed shock at Shoaib Akhtar's sensational revelations (in his much-anticipated autobiography), an extract of which reads: "Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid weren't exactly match winners to start with, nor did they know the art of finishing the game."

Buddies? Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar shares a light moment with
Ashish Nehra during the Asia Cup last year. Pic/AFP

Nehra, who played the historic Rawalpindi Test in April 2004 that saw India win a maiden Test series on Pakistan soil, said it was difficult to understand Akhtar's claims. "I am not sure what was the context behind writing stuff like this, because even though he is known for his controversy, Akhtar has always been friendly with us (Indian players) off the field.

"In the heat of the battle, he did get a little argumentative on the field, but he always gave the impression of a nice person off the field. I am a little shocked to be honest," India's World Cup-winning seamer told MiD DAY yesterday.

Asked about Akhtar's admission that "almost all Pakistani fast bowlers have tampered with the ball," Nehra said: "I am not surprised that he is saying this. There was a time in the 2003-04 series (in Pakistan) when our batsmen were almost unaware of what (delivery) Shoaib was going to bowl next. That's always been the case with Pakistani bowlers. You never know what they are doing with the ball in their hand."