Gul confident Pakistan can bounce back at Lord's

Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul said the team were ready to bounce back from their defeat at Headingley as they prepare for the second Test against England at Lord's, with the former fast bowler stressing the need for greater discipline from his attack.

Pakistan were bowled out for 137 in their second innings at Headingley to lose the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs, but Gul said the players remained motivated and had learned from their mistakes.

"We are ready for the next game and preparation is very good," Gul told a news conference. "All the guys are motivated and looking forward to the next game."

Gul said the change in weather had affected Pakistan's bowlers in Leeds after the team had prepared in warmer conditions in the Caribbean.

"When we reached Headingley, it was totally different. It rained and the weather was cold," he said. "Obviously, you need to spend some time in that cold weather."

Gul acknowledged that Pakistan's bowlers had struggled to execute their plans in those conditions but expected them to be better acclimatised at Lord's.

"I felt that our bowlers were a little stiff there, because you have to get used to the weather," he said. "I am sure and I hope that our next game will be ready for that."

Pakistan's attack conceded heavily at Headingley, while England's bowlers dismissed them twice cheaply.

Gul said both departments needed to improve but placed particular responsibility on the bowlers in Test cricket.

"You cannot win the Test match until you get 20 out," he said. "It is the responsibility of both, but in these conditions, I would say that it is the bowlers' responsibility."

Gul defended Pakistan's selection for the first Test, saying the team had initially considered playing four fast bowlers before opting for three seamers and a spinner after assessing the pitch.

"We were thinking that we would go with four pacers," he said. "But day by day, when we saw the pitch it was a total change. I think it was a good decision for us to go with three and one."

He also praised the discipline required in English conditions, saying Pakistan's bowlers would focus on bowling consistently around the stumps and in the corridor outside the off stump.

"Test cricket is all about discipline and consistency," Gul said. "You have to bowl within the stumps, with the corridor channel, and you have to be patient."

Gul said Babar Azam, who had been dealing with an injury concern, looked in good shape after batting in the nets and was expected to be available for the match.

"He batted in all three nets against the pacers and spinners and also with the throw-down. We are hopeful that he will be available for the game," Gul said. "Today he was looking good. He batted well today in the net."

Asked about the absence of Pakistan's leading fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, Gul referred questions about his omission to the selection committee, while praising the bowlers included in the squad.

"It would be better if you ask the selection committee," he said. "They better know, maybe they give him some rest."

Gul said Pakistan's record at Lord's offered encouragement, with the visitors having enjoyed previous success at the ground.

"We are still in the series. We have just played one match and then we have two more matches," he said.

"If we win here in Lord's, the series is still alive."

Pakistan will look to level the three-match series at Lord's, with Gul confident that the players can respond after their disappointing performance in Leeds.