We need to acclimatise to English conditions: Wahab Riaz

Published May 27, 2016
The left-arm-fast has taken 43 wickets in 15 Tests. — AFP/File
The left-arm-fast has taken 43 wickets in 15 Tests. — AFP/File

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani pacer Wahab Riaz said in a interview published on Friday that Pakistan will have to acclimatise to the English conditions to outfox the hosts on the upcoming tour starting July 14.

"England is a very tough opponent in home conditions, therefore, the green-shirts would have to be on top of their game to compete with the English team," the left-arm-fast said.

Wahab said the weakness of the English batters can be exploited by the Pakistani bowling attack.

Our batsmen have the capability to put up some good scores on the board for the bowlers to work with. — AFP/File
Our batsmen have the capability to put up some good scores on the board for the bowlers to work with. — AFP/File

“We have a good bowling line up with variety and there is a lot of potential to make the England batsmen work hard but the most important thing for our bowlers is to adjust to the bowling conditions in England and to get acclimatised as soon as possible.”

“It is absolutely crucial that we get used to the conditions and the wickets as soon as possible and I believe the Pakistani bowlers will test the England batsmen,” he told Pakpassion.net.

Referring to the importance of Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan, Wahab said both veterans have been great servants of Pakistan cricket over the years and have batted with great responsibility.

He further added, “Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed have been performing consistently with the bat and have provided great support to Misbah and Younis."

“I think it is vital that our batsmen prepare well ahead of the England series. Our batsmen have the capability to put up some good scores on the board for the bowlers to work with. Let us see what sorts of wickets are prepared for the series as the nature of the pitches will be very important.”

Speaking of head coach Mickey Arthur, Wahab said working with a new coach is always exciting and interesting as they all work in different ways and have different ideas and philosophies.

“Mickey was the head coach of Karachi Kings during Pakistan Super League (PSL) and I am sure he will bring the best out of the players and will be a successful appointment,” said the 30-year-old.

Riaz has already arrived on the British shores to don Essex's colours in the famous English domestic T20 competition, Natwest T20 Blast. His stay at Essex is bound to come in handy when Pakistan take on England in four Tests, five One-Day Internationals, and a T20 International later this summer.

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