Pakistan can win England series, say former cricketers

Sallu, Jalaluddin tell batsmen to back bowlers when second match starts in Headingley

KARACHI: Former cricketers Salahuddin Sallu and Jalaluddin have heaped praise on Pakistan’s performance in the first Test against England at Lord’s.

The Men in Green, under the leadership of captain Sarfraz Ahmed, defeated the Joe Root-led side by nine wickets in the opening game to ensure they cannot lose the two-Test series.

Former chief selector Sallu, while talking to The Express Tribune, said that winning the first Test by a comfortable margin has put the home side under pressure in the decider.

“Pakistan winning the first Test by a big margin has put England under pressure psychologically,” said Sallu. “The pressure is on the English team. The bowlers have surprised the English batsmen by taking early wickets and restricting them on a low total, whereas the batsmen then supported the bowlers by posting a good total to give them great support.”

He added: “The bowlers showed brilliant skills and a perfect attitude for the game. They should keep the same attitude in the next game.”

Praising the man of the moment, Mohammad Abbas, Sallu tipped the 28-year-old to reach great heights in the future. “Abbas’ bowling figures in the first Test were truly outstanding,” he said. “He is a pure talent; he has been doing well in domestic cricket and now has proved to be a well-deserved player in the international arena.”

Meanwhile, former pacer Jalalduddin also hailed team’s performance in the opening Test, however, he wants the visitors to be cautious of an England comeback in Leeds.

“They [Pakistan] have won the Test in Lord’s, which was the difficult one,” he said. “The condition of the ground is difficult and it is the home of cricket and England team was much more used to the conditions. Now Leeds is not that much difficult but England, being one of the best Test sides, can bounce back. They will have to keep their spirits up; they just cannot let England grow in confidence.”

He further added that as the bowlers are doing a great job, it is now up to the batsmen to back them up for better results. “Some of the experienced batsmen will have to take up the responsibility for the match and make the team win the series,” he said. “If the experienced players perform well, that will give the young talent the confidence to perform. They will have to stay at the crease for a long period and test the patience and composure of the English bowlers.”

Usman Salahuddin to play in Leeds, confirms Sarfraz

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed confirmed on Thursday that middle-order batsman Usman Salahuddin will play in the second match against England.

Salahuddin will replace injured Babar Azam who has been ruled out of the series following fracture in his forearm.

Salahuddin, who will be making his Test debut for Pakistan at Leeds, has already represented the Men in Green in two ODIs, where he has scored 13 runs.

The 27-year-old has played 72 matches in List A career, where he has scored 2,397 runs at an average of 47 with two centuries and 17 half-centuries.