Fawad Alam happy to see Shoaib Malik back in Tests
All-rounder feels Pakistan has a better spin attack than England for the upcoming series
PHOTOS: AFP
Pakistan all-rounder Fawad Alam has welcomed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to include veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik in the 16-man Test squad against England for the four-match Test series in the UAE.
"We are all happy to have Shoaib Malik making a comeback after five years, and we have seniors who are so willing to help us out in all the departments,” said Fawad, as quoted by Khaleej Times.
Moreover, Briton boxer Amir Khan also expressed his happiness on Malik's return to the Test team.
Fawad also felt that in the spin department Pakistan will have a upper hand against England.
"The English attack was accurate and good today (Tuesday) and their spinners especially Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid kept to a good line and length,” said Fawad, who scored a half-century in the two-day tour match for Pakistan A against England.
Read: Shoaib Malik included in Test squad against England
“However, I feel the Pakistan spin bowling will have the edge as we tend to be able to adapt to the conditions here far quicker.”
"Iftikhar Ahmed was consistent as usual which is why he is in the national squad for the English series here. In domestic cricket he has been brilliant and dependable," Alam added.
Meanwhile, England bowler Mark Wood who generates genuine pace from just seven to eight steps in his bowling run-up is confident of a good show by being more patient.
"I have to learn one thing at a time. Being patient more often is one thing that will be of use during a tour of this type where the weather and playing conditions are totally a different ball game from the kind we have at home. Also, like in the Ashes, we have to accept the half chances that come our way," said Woods.
Read: Pakistan favourites against England in UAE, says Alec Stewart
"Today (Tuesday) we had a couple of them and we could have put more pressure on Pakistan had we accepted them. The ball doesn't do much here and we have to learn and adapt faster. The heat is definitely going to be big factor and we have to be quite switched on to overcome this," he added.
"Today we tried out several things including going in with short three-over bursts which proved quite effective. There's always a chance to get back after a rest."
"We are all happy to have Shoaib Malik making a comeback after five years, and we have seniors who are so willing to help us out in all the departments,” said Fawad, as quoted by Khaleej Times.
Moreover, Briton boxer Amir Khan also expressed his happiness on Malik's return to the Test team.
Fawad also felt that in the spin department Pakistan will have a upper hand against England.
"The English attack was accurate and good today (Tuesday) and their spinners especially Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid kept to a good line and length,” said Fawad, who scored a half-century in the two-day tour match for Pakistan A against England.
Read: Shoaib Malik included in Test squad against England
“However, I feel the Pakistan spin bowling will have the edge as we tend to be able to adapt to the conditions here far quicker.”
"Iftikhar Ahmed was consistent as usual which is why he is in the national squad for the English series here. In domestic cricket he has been brilliant and dependable," Alam added.
Meanwhile, England bowler Mark Wood who generates genuine pace from just seven to eight steps in his bowling run-up is confident of a good show by being more patient.
"I have to learn one thing at a time. Being patient more often is one thing that will be of use during a tour of this type where the weather and playing conditions are totally a different ball game from the kind we have at home. Also, like in the Ashes, we have to accept the half chances that come our way," said Woods.
Read: Pakistan favourites against England in UAE, says Alec Stewart
"Today (Tuesday) we had a couple of them and we could have put more pressure on Pakistan had we accepted them. The ball doesn't do much here and we have to learn and adapt faster. The heat is definitely going to be big factor and we have to be quite switched on to overcome this," he added.
"Today we tried out several things including going in with short three-over bursts which proved quite effective. There's always a chance to get back after a rest."