LAHORE, Jan 10 (UNI): Asserting that his miserable outing during the Sydney Test was the worst performance of his career, embattled wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal has termed the debacle as a 'scary dream', which he wants to overcome soon.
"It was from my point of view, my worst performance in any match of my career.
It was like a scary dream and I just want to get over it and now approach the rest of my career with a new resolve and positivity," Kamran said.
The 27-year-old Kamran dropped four crucial catches during Australia's second innings, including three off Michael Hussey, who scored a match-winning 134 not out, in Pakistan's stunning 36-run defeat in the second Test against the hosts.
The defeat saw Pakistan concede a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
"I must want to quietly play and enjoy my cricket.
I know my mistakes cost us the Test but no cricketer gives a bad performance on purpose and my critics should not forget I have played leading roles in many of Pakistan's past successes as well.
"I am ashamed of my performance as well and I apologize to the nation for this and I don't want to make any excuses but I am also confident that I am capable of hitting form again and doing well for my country," he said.
With 48 Tests and 111 ODIs already to his name, the Pakistan vice-captain further said he has ben consistant since the New Zealand tour and just two sessions of shambolic performances Down Under will not end his career.
He emphasised that one of his catches in the first Test in Melbourne was adjudged as being among the best.
"Those two sessions in Sydney were my worst but this does not mean my career is finished.
I think the critics who have their knives out for me should remember about my past performances as well.
"The people who are criticising me for no reason should also talk about my past record.
It is fine and anybody's right to criticize me but to make my Sydney Test performance the basis for starting a campaign against me is not fair," Kamran was quoted as saying by 'The News'.
The right-hander also clarified that his poor performance in the last Test was not because of too much of cricket or his fitness.
"I am totally fit and I enjoy playing in all three forms of the game for my country.
They are many other wicketkeepers who have played non-stop cricket for their country people like MS Dhoni, Adam Gilchrist, Mark Boucher, Kumar Sangakkara - so I am no exception." He also revealed that he had picked up some good tips from former Australian keeper, Ian Healy and is also willing to speak to Rashid Latif.
"Rashid is my idol and I will talk to him to sort out my problems soon.
But I have not given up hope on my career at all," he said.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), who has been miffed by Kamran's poor show, has directed the national team management to replace the experienced stumper with young Sarfaraz Ahmed in the third Test against Australia, commencing at Hobart from January 14.