England must break a leg after Yasir’s Warne-ing

Pakistan leg-spinner works with legendary Warne in nets ahead of third Test

SHARJAH: Legendary Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne worked with Yasir Shah in the nets on Thursday, saying he gave the Pakistani slow bowler advice on tactics to help down England in this week’s third Test.

Warne enjoyed tormenting England during his illustrious career, taking 195 of his 708 wickets against The Three Lions; 23 of which came in his last series at home in 2006-07.



Warne spent 90 minutes with the fast-rising Pakistan spinner, who took eight wickets in the second Test in Dubai as Pakistan won by 178 runs.

That performance took Yasir to number two in the Test bowlers’ rankings, behind South African paceman Dale Steyn.

“He is a wonderful bowler,” said Warne. “We didn’t work on any tactical thing, just on who he is having trouble with in the England side, some tactics and plans, how he can be a little bit better as he wants a bit more drift and bounce.”



The Australian legend said both men enjoyed themselves despite the language barrier. “We couldn’t communicate that well, but when he was smiling afterwards I knew what he got was pretty good. It was a nice hour or so and that was good fun,” he said. “He is happy and will go away and, hopefully, start ripping and getting wickets.”

Warne admitted he is a fan of Yasir. “I have always been a fan of Yasir. Probably he is the best leg-spinner in the world, the way he bowls and the way the ball comes out of his hand.”



Yasir, meanwhile, said bowling alongside childhood idol Warne was a dream come true. “It was a childhood wish that I could bowl with him, play with him and I was excited to have him here for me,” he said. “I am very happy to know the kind of feedback he gave me and that he spoke highly of me. He emphasised that Test cricket is played with patience and I don’t need to rush and waste energy, I just need to keep myself calm.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2015.

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