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Akram backs Azhar for captaincy

Mohammad Azharuddin has found an unexpected ally in the form of Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, who has urged Indian cricket's decision makers to persist with Azhar as captain.

In a media interview, Akram also suggested that the selectors could look to Rahul Dravid for the future.

Akram said that Azhar did a good job in the World Cup and should not be held responsible for his team's failure. On Jadeja's chances, Akram felt that the Indian selectors should make sure that whoever is made the captain commands a regular place in the Test side.

''I think they should persist with Azhar for a while and then go for a long term choice who is an automatic choice in both forms of the game,'' Akram said.

Akram also felt that Dravid should be groomed for captaincy. ''Dravid seems the obvious choice. He is a sensible cricketer with with a calm presence. I think he can do a good job on a long term basis,'' the Pakistani captain said.

Akram said that India has the best batting lineup in the world, and attributed recent failures to a lack of mental toughness. In this respect, Akram felt, Dravid has the requisite mental strength needed to bring the best out of the Indian team in the future.