Colombo, Mar 19: Pakistan assistant coach Aaqib Javed has defended the team's strategy in the ongoing World Cup over criticism that they are playing a bowler short.

Former captains Imran Khan and Wasim Akram, and other former players believe that with the current team selection Pakistan could land into trouble against a stronger opposition.

However, Javed feels that it is the need of the hour to boost an inconsistent batting line-up.

"No team goes in with five specialist bowlers. What people are forgetting is we're not playing three specialist bowlers, but we have four. Shahid Afridi, despite his all-rounder tag, is a specialist bowler and when we sit down and pick four bowlers, his name is the first we put on the list," the Daily Times quoted Javed, as saying.

"We then pick an all-rounder, a bowler who can bat and Razzaq comes under that category," he added.

Javed also defended the purpose and use of playing Razzaq at the number eight position.

"An all-rounder's role is very difficult. You bat at number eight, you bowl four to five overs. Razzaq is a utility player and he's a type of batsman who can win you matches that you've lost by the time he comes in," the assistant coach said.

"It won't happen daily but you need such people in the team. It also adds depth to the bowling," he added. (ANI)