LONDON: Pakistan’s Yasir Shah said varying his pace had been behind his spectacular return to Test cricket at Lord’s.

What made the 30-year-old Yasir’s feat all the more impressive was that this was his first Test outside of Asia and the United Arab Emirates.

Yasir said: “I’ve played lots of cricket in the UAE where you have to bowl quicker. In England the pitches have got some pace so you have to concentrate on varying your pace.

“My role was very clear, to give support to the fast bowlers, but luckily I got the wickets and I’m glad for the team.”

As for Yasir getting his name on the honours board Mushtaq Ahmed — who took five for 57 in Pakistan’s 164-run win over England at Lord’s in 1996 — said: “It’s a great honour for Yasir to take five wickets here too, at the home of cricket.

“When you turn up all the bowlers and batsmen go to see other Pakistani names on the honours board. When you see your name on there you feel so proud.

“All the credit must go to Yasir though, the players have to deliver and he did that brilliantly.”

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2016