Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul has blamed Yorkshire’s cold and rainy weather for the team’s heavy defeat in the first Test against England. Speaking at Lord’s, Gul said that Pakistan’s fast bowlers struggled to adjust after moving from the warmer conditions in southern England to the colder climate in Leeds.
Pakistan suffered an innings and 103 runs defeat inside 3 days at Headingley. England scored 409 in their only innings to secure a victory. Salman Ali Agha led the team in the absence of injured batter Babar Azam. Pakistan will now look to level the series in the second Test at Lord’s from August 27 to 31.
Umar Gul Blames Cold Yorkshire Weather for Pakistan’s Bowling Struggles
Umar Gul stated that the change in weather affected the team’s fast bowlers during the first Test at Headingley. Gul added that Pakistan needed more time to adjust to the colder conditions before executing their bowling plans effectively.
“When we came here from WI, the weather was hot. It was a hot summer. We weren't expecting it to be this cold. Even the practice match at Croydon, the weather there was hot. When we reached Headingley, it was totally different. It rained and the weather was cold.”
“Obviously, you need to spend some time in that cold weather. That's why we couldn't bowl that well, and we couldn't execute due to the weather. But I hope they acclimatise with the weather and do well in the next game.”
Pakistan arrived from the West Indies after playing in warm conditions, while their practice game in Croydon also took place in hot weather. Their bowlers struggled to create enough pressure, while the batters also failed to resist England’s attack.
Umar Gul Explains Pakistan’s Four-Seamer Plan at Headingley
Umar Gul revealed that Pakistan considered playing 4 frontline seamers but changed their plans after the pitch looked different on the eve of the Test. The team selected a spinner, but the bowling attack struggled to make an impact as England dominated the match.
“Because of the [change in temperature], I thought the bowlers were a little stiff. You have to get used to the weather. And I hope they'll be fully ready for this next game.”
“In the days leading up to the Test, we considered going in with four seamers. But on the day before the match, the pitch we saw had changed quite a bit, and playing a spinner turned out to be a good decision. But when you come here, you need time.”
Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in their first innings before England posted 409. Spinner Ali Usman picked up five wickets for 95 runs in England's only innings. They were bowled out for 135 runs in the second innings.
Umar Gul Defends Shaheen Afridi and Backs Ubaid Shah
Umar Gul also addressed Shaheen Afridi’s absence from the first Test. Shaheen recently led his domestic side to a one-day cup title, but the bowling coach said the selection committee could provide a clearer explanation for his omission.
“Maybe they thought it was better to give him some rest. He's our best bowler, but our other bowlers are also doing well. Especially Ubaid Shah; he performed very well, and we're expecting big things from him in the future.”
“Abbas and Mohammad Ali were playing county cricket which is an advantage for us because they were available here. But I think the selection committee can give you a better answer about Shaheen.”
Pakistan will hope that the experience of Abbas and Mohammad Ali, along with Ubaid Shah’s pace, can strengthen the attack at Lord’s. Babar Azam also missed the Headingley Test because of a finger injury.
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