WORLD cricket star Wasim Akram says the next two years will determine whether Glamorgan's Simon Jones becomes the fastest bowler in the world.

At the launch of Power Cricket's next major indoor tournament at the Millennium Stadium on January 25-26 featuring Asia v the Rest of the World and on the eve of England's Ashes series against Australia, Wasim said Jones could become the next Shoaib Akhtar.

But he emphasised the Welsh ace needed to play more cricket and be involved with England in one-day internationals as well as Tests.

"I saw Jones on his Test debut against India and was really impressed," said Akram.

"He has a quick arm action, just like I used to have, and genuine pace.

"I just feel he ought to be in the England one-day squad too. He's good enough and his confidence would grow from that.

"He should be England's No 2 bowler after Caddick and if England play him regualrly they'll have a match-winning bowler in a year or two.

"I think he can make his mark on the Ashes series. It's perfect for him. He has the talent, the ability and the right attitude."

Regarding comparisons with Shoaib, he continued:

"If Jones plays regularly he will gain more pace as his bowling muscles get stronger.

"It's too early to say if he will be as fast as Shoaib. Maybe he's as fast as when Shoaib started, but Shoaib improved. That's what Jones has to do.

"He's young and enthusiastic. In two years he'll learn when to bowl quick, when to bowl medium pace, and how to use variation. Then we'll see how good he can be."

Regarding the Ashes, Wasim said he did not believe England would suffer a humiliating 5-0 whitewash.

"England have to play positively and cleverly and play to a plan against the Australian bowling attack," he added.

"New Zealand attacked Shan Warne, played shots against him, the sweep or going over the top, and left every ball Glen McGrath bowled.

"Australia are playing well, but even the best teams have weaknesses. If you put pressure on them consistently they'll break up.

"I think with Nasser Hussain and Duncan Fletcher in charge England will be positive.

"They have learned in the last two or three years there is more fun in winning than losing."

Wasim did not rule out a final stint in county cricket and said he would love to play for Glamorgan.

"I was coming to Glamorgan last season, but unfortunately international commitments prevented me.

"I can't play every game at county level. I don't want to play every game. But if a good offer came along I'd like to play for another year."

Power Cricket organisers have already lined up Wasim, Shoaib, Waqar Younis, Raul Dravid, Stephen Fleming, Nathan Astle, Courtney Walsh, Anil Kumble, Inzaman-ul-Haq and Mohammad Kaif for January's two games over the unique two innings, 15-overs-a-side format.

Though the event is only two weeks before the next World Cup they are confident top names from the West Indies, South Africa and Australia will fill the Rest of the World side.

They regarded the October Brits v Rest of the World series, which arracted a world-wide TV audience but only 12,000 spectators, as a success.

And the success of the latest venture will again be down to TV coverage by Sky and in Asia while marketing will figure highly among the Asian communities of Manchester, Birmingham, Bradford and Leicester.