The leader of the pack — Wahab relishing new role
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DUBAI: Paceman Wahab Riaz was delighted over leading Pakistan's attack on the third day of the second Test against England on Saturday, saying that fulfilling expectations placed on him was his main goal.
The 30-year-old spearhead grabbed 4-66 to wreck England for 242 in their first innings, giving Pakistan an important lead of 136 in the first innings at Dubai stadium.
Pakistan swelled that lead to 358 by closing the day on 222-3 with Misbah-ul-Haq knocking a rapid 87 and Younis Khan a steady 71 as they took out an option on grabbing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Riaz admitted as the leader of the attack he was under loads of expectations.
“As the leader of the attack it is my role to lead and take that responsibility,” said Riaz who was ably assisted by leg-spinner Yasir Shah who took 4-93.
“Every day and in every spell I want to produce my best because my team has expectations with me and I want to fulfill those and I am happy that I did that today.”
Riaz initiated England's batting collapse, getting rid of the dangerous Joe Root for 88 early on the third morning after England resumed on a strong 182-3.
“Root's wicket was important,” said Riaz of the England's number four.
“He plays freely and doesn't take pressure and we knew where to dry up his runs and we did that and got him out which was a crucial wicket.”
That started a wicket slide in which England lost their last seven wickets for 60 runs.
Riaz said that other bowlers supplement him well.
“I think Yasir has done well in the past few Tests,” said Riaz of the leg-spinner.
“He is our main weapon and besides him (Zulfiqar) Babar and Imran (Khan) give me edge in the sense that they keep the pressure which allows me to attack.”
Riaz wants to see Pakistan add more runs on Sunday to force a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after the first Test ended in a draw in Abu Dhabi last week.
“I think Yasir will be the key player tomorrow because there is a good spin on the pitch and if we have that kind of score which we are looking for then England will be under pressure and it's not easy to play spin here.”
