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Inzamam "depressed" after Imran criticism

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January 07, 2005 19:15 IST

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has admitted feeling depressed after former captain Imran Khan described his leadership as "spineless".

Pakistan's all-time second-leading test run-scorer, the 34-year-old Inzamam made one and nought in the first test against Australia, then missed the next two matches with a back injury.

Australia won the third test by nine wickets in Sydney this week to sweep the series.

"I'm definitely depressed but hopefully I will perform well in the one-day series," Inzamam told reporters.

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer said Imran's description of his team as "spineless" was incorrect.

Imran told a Melbourne radio station on Thursday: "What I think is disappointing is the spineless

manner in which they have played, the lack of fighting qualities, no leadership, no plans.

"It's the mis-match that has been greatly disappointing. People expected a bit more of a fight.

"Perhaps he (Inzamam) should have played the last test because, with a back injury, I can understand a fast bowler missing out, but a batsman missing out I think is disappointing," added Pakistan's 1992 World Cup-winning captain who played 88 tests.

"I played as captain so many times with injuries because if the team is inexperienced they need you."

Pakistan play Australia A in a warm-up match on January 12 in Adelaide before the triangular one-day series, which starts on January 14 when Australia host West Indies in Melbourne.

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