Karachi: Famed pacer Wasim Akram has urged his countrymen to show patience with management and back an emerging crop of youngsters as Pakistan's cricket team rebuilds after its hammering by Australia.

"The Pakistan team is going through a transition phase as youngsters are taking places of the senior players so the recent performances should not be worrying and we must not panic," Wasim, 36, told on Thursday.

Pakistan has lost six of its last 11 One-day Internationals and was routed 3-0 by Australia in its Golden Jubilee Test series, which ended in Sharjah on Tuesday.

"I think we must back the youngsters because they are our future and need two years to get matured," said Wasim, who has taken 414 Test and 479 One-day wickets during his illustrious career.

Wasim said despite the drubbing by Australia he saw rays of light. "I thought Pakistan fought well in the first Test and nearly surprised Australia but later Australia pinpointed mistakes in our team and exploited the inexperience of the youngsters," he said.

Wasim brushed aside claims he ran away, fearing a thrashing from the Australians.

"It's absurd (to suggest) that I ran away and let the team down, I had told the coach and the captain two months ago that I will rest after the Kenya tri-series," he said.

Wasim denied he was pressed to play against Australia.

"No one talked to me on the matter but had someone pursued me I don't know what I would have done but I want youngsters to take our places," he said.

"We still haven't found a captain like Imran Khan and Waqar Younis and I took years to establish and replace Khan as a fast bowler of international repute.

"We have talented youngsters and a good management who both need time to build the foundation and I will remain there for guidance."

Wasim said he will meet Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Lieutenant General Tauqir Zia in the next few days and will decide about his future plans.

"I am training hard after the much needed rest and am ready to play."

Wasim has committed himself to playing more One-dayers before hanging up his boots after next year's World Cup in South Africa.

"Defeats are part and parcel of this game but I promise the nation that we will do our best to win the World Cup."