Shoaib feels Pakistan can still make Test history

Former batsman thinks visitors can become first Asian side to win at Edgbaston

KARACHI: Former Test player Shoaib Mohammad feels Pakistan are in a great position to make history at Edgbaston by becoming the first Asian side to win at the ground.

The visitors managed to score exactly 400 in the first innings to take a lead of 103 in reply to England’s 297. Pakistan were in a commanding situation when the day began, resuming on 257-3; just 40 runs behind England’s score with seven wickets in hand and the experienced duo of Misbahul Haq and Younus Khan out in the middle.



Misbah and co would surely have been eyeing a lead of well over 150 when the day began but a combination of bad luck, poor shot selection and some tight bowling led to wickets falling at regular intervals.

Things then went from bad to worse for Pakistan as a solid opening stand between Alastair Cook and Alex Hales ate through the Pakistan innings.

But Shoaib still feels Pakistan have the edge in the game, with the 55-year-old urging Pakistan to ensure there are no more slip ups on the remaining two days.

“Pakistan are still slight favourites to win this Test and make history at Edgbaston,” Shoaib told The Express Tribune. “They have the perfect platform and Pakistan shouldn’t allow England back. They should put relentless pressure on the hosts.”

‘Sami’s knock more impressive than Azhar’s’

A 181-run stand between Sami Aslam and Azhar Ali was the highlight of the Pakistan innings, with the 20-year-old Sami being run out for 82, while Azhar scored a superb century.



Shoaib further added that Aslam’s innings was better than Azhar’s ton because he frustrated the hosts’ bowlers by leaving some very good deliveries while also being keen to take singles that ensured the bowlers were never on top.

He praised Azhar Ali’s resolve as well, stating that the batsman was being unjustly criticised before this Test. “It was a bit strange to see Azhar being criticised because he is a good Test batsman,” said Shoaib. “It was only a matter of time before he returned to form. However, I was more impressed by Aslam in that partnership because he had the better technique and game plan.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2016.

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