Dubai:  Former Pakistan fast-bowler Wasim Akram revealed on Sunday who is his favourite player in the current national team, a sports website reported on Monday.

Wasim was live on Facebook for J. Fragrances and answered questions from fans, who were posting queries in the comments section.

The 50-year-old picked batsman Asad Shafiq as his favourite player in the current Pakistan team and said he was very impressed with the way he batted at the number six position against England. “The way in which he [Shafiq] came back with a century after scoring two ducks in the third Test shows his mental toughness,” he said.

Speaking about his successor in modern cricket, the former left-arm pacer chose three bowlers who he termed as his favourites. These include Australia’s Mitchell Starc, South Africa’s Dale Steyn and England’s James Anderson.

Wasim also said he was especially impressed with the way Starc bowled in recent series against Sri Lanka on pitches not conducive to fast bowling. He added that he can closely relate to the Australian since he is fast, bowls immaculate yorkers, has great in swingers and is a left arm quick.

However, the veteran said that the closest successor to him in Pakistan’s current team had to be Mohammad Amir. “Amir is young and bowls his heart out pretty much the way I used to in my early days,” he said.

Wasim also said that there is no one in the current team could replace Test captain Misbahul Haq. “Misbah has a calm head and is very mature both on and off the field, which makes him a great leader,” he said.

Pakistan are currently on tour of England where they will play five ODI matches starting on Wednesday, followed by a one-off T20I. The national team has already leveled the Test series against the hosts 2-2.