Yasir can bamboozle England in the UAE: Azhar Mahmood

"England aren't the best at playing spin, especially leg-spin," said Azhar

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood is optimistic that leggie Yasir Shah can cause problems for England when they visit the UAE in October.

England are set to face Pakistan in three Tests, four ODIs and three Twenty20s in a series starting from October 13.

Azhar, who is currently representing Surrey, said that the resurgent England side who have beaten Australia recently to regain the Ashes will be in deep water against Yasir's 'box of tricks'.

"Yasir will be the key for Pakistan," wrote Azhar in his blog for PakPassion.

"He's been so impressive since his introduction to international cricket and is such an attacking bowler. Yasir has proved that he can handle the pressure, his confidence will be very high and he is now the leader of Pakistan's spin attack.

"England aren't the best at playing spin especially leg-spin and I think Yasir will have a major say in the outcome of the Test series. I think Yasir's box of tricks will cause the England batsmen a lot of problems.

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"However it's very crucial that Pakistan's other bowlers back and support Yasir and the choice of second spinner will be very important."

Azhar also urged Pakistani batsmen to play more county cricket to improve their technique.

"It was good to see Umar Akmal playing some county cricket for Leicestershire but what I would like to see is more Pakistani cricketers playing four day cricket in England," added Azhar.

"It will greatly help their technique and prepare them for the assignment of playing in conditions that are not familiar to them and particularly assist them where the ball is seaming around.

"I would urge the PCB to encourage Pakistani players to try and get over to the UK to play some four day cricket whenever possible as this can greatly benefit Pakistani players and the team as a whole."