English batsmen will be tested by our bowlers, says Wahab Riaz

Left-arm pacer says players need to adjust to conditions and test batsmen through their weaknesses to perform well

Pakistan left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz said on Friday that Pakistani bowlers can test English batsmen in the upcoming tour if they acclimatise well to host nation’s conditions.

In an interview with Pakpassion.net, the left-arm quick said that the players need to adjust to conditions and test batsmen through their weaknesses to perform well in the tournament.

“We have a good bowling lineup with variety and there is a lot of potential to make the England batsmen work hard, but the most important thing for our bowlers is to adjust to bowling in England and to get acclimatised as soon as possible,” he said.

“It’s absolutely crucial that we get used to the conditions and the wickets, and I believe Pakistani bowlers will test the England batsmen,” he added.



The 30-year-old missed the boot camp in Kakul because he had already signed for English county club Essex to play in Natwest T20 Blast.

Wahab said that he hopes his spell with Essex would help Pakistan in Test series, giving the national side a bowler who is already acclimatised to English conditions.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for me to acclimatise to English conditions ahead of the Test series and get some cricket under my belt before the series against England,” he said.

“In addition, having the opportunity to bowl on English pitches is vital for me because bowling in England is a great deal different than bowling back home in Pakistan.

“All in all, it’s ideal preparation ahead of the challenge of facing England.”



Speaking about veterans Misbahul Haq and Younus Khan, the left-armer said that the duo would be a formidable force in the tour of England with the support of upcoming batsmen like Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed.

“Both Misbah and Younus have been great servants for Pakistan cricket over the years and they have batted with great responsibility,” he said.

“Also, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed have been performing consistently with the bat and have provided great support to Misbah and Younis.

“Our batsmen have the capability to put up some good scores on the board for the bowlers to work with.”



Talking about newly-appointed head coach Mickey Arthur, Wahab said that he is looking forward to working with him and hopes his tenure to be a successful one.

“He’s been a very successful coach and is very experienced,” he said.

“Working with a new coach is always exciting and interesting as they all work in different ways and have different ideas and philosophies, so it promises to be an exciting time.

“He was head coach of Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and I met him a few times during the tournament so I’m looking forward to working with him.

“I’m sure he will bring the best out of the players and will be a successful appointment.”