Waqar Younis Hints At Playing Two Spinners In Tests In England

Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis has opened up on the bowling strategy they will deploy in the three-match Test series in England. The Pakistan team long reached the United Kingdom shores where they are slated to play three Tests and three T20 internationals across Southampton and Manchester. And Waqar Younis revealed the bowling combination, keeping in mind the Tests between England and the West Indies.

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Pakistan has managed to draw their last two-Test series in England, which is terrific for an Asian team. In the four-Test sequence in 2016, the tourists drew the series by 2-2 while in 2018, the men in green won one and lost one. However, the last time, Pakistan won a series in England was back in 1996 under the leadership of Wasim Akram.

As for the upcoming series, according to Waqar Younis’ observations, the pitches in Southampton and Manchester have become slow and low. Younis will have his eyes glued on the third Test between the hosts and the Carribeans.

“We will see how the pitch behaves in the third Test between West Indies and England at Manchester but there is no doubt that the behaviour of pitches has changed in England,” Younis said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

The former Pakistan speedster remarked that they are getting their players ready on how to tackle the variations on these wickets. Keeping in mind the dryness in August, he added that Pakistan might consider fielding two spin-bowlers.

“Early to say who will play but we have got an idea after the West Indies Test matches. We are trying to prepare those players who can be effective on such pitches. We are looking at all option look at weather as well it gets hot in August and we might even have to think about playing two spinners as well,” Waqar pointed out.

I had doubts about what will happen to bowlers not being able to use saliva: Waqar Younis

Waqar, who went on to form a fearsome bowling combination with Wasim Akram, went on to express surprise at bowlers not facing difficulties without saliva since players are habituated by now. However, he is impressed by how the bowlers have adapted and found a way to help themselves.

“I had doubts about what will happen to bowlers not being able to use saliva because it is a habitual thing and I have been a fast bowler myself. But I think it is working quite nicely. The difference in cricket balls also matters,” the 48-year-old continued saying.

The 48-year old was further surprised by how the ball swung and seamed around despite the pitches not being very conducive. Hence, he feels optimistic that Pakistan bowlers can also find a way to gain an advantage.

“The Duke ball is harder and it can be shined through sweat as well and the pitches were slow and sluggish in the West Indies tests but the ball did seam and move around and no bowler has complained as yet. It is workable. It did work. I feel it can be done,” he added.

Kohli is one of the top athletes but I think our boys are not far behind: Waqar Younis

The 87-Test veteran went on to appreciate Virat Kohli’s commitment to remaining fit but did commend the fitness levels of Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. Waqar Younis is confident that their boys are putting in the hard yards every day and rapidly adhering to the standards needed in world cricket. Pakistan engaged in an intra-squad warm-up game in Derby from the 17th to 20th of July.

“Kohli is one of the top athletes but I think our boys are not far behind specially Babar Azam who is very fit and he is also delivering goods with his performances. Shaheen Shah is another one who is super fit. But right now in the training camp they are getting better and we are working hard on ensuring their fitness levels meet those standards required in world cricket,” the Punjab-born bowler concluded.

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