Pakistani captain Azhar Ali has planned to attack England’s “fragile top order” during the upcoming series of tests and to insist that the hosts’ batting side appear vulnerable after Alastair Cook’s resignation.
Pakistan is expected to play three tests and as many Twenty20 games against England. The first test begins on July 30th with Lord.
“In terms of their lashes, their top order has been fragile for some time since Alastair Cook retired. They’ve tried many combinations lately and may look a little calmer, but they weren’t really confident about it. So it gives something to see, “said Ali, before leaving for the UK on a charter flight earlier in the day.
File photo of Pakistan Test Captain Azhar Ali. AP
Since Cook’s retirement in September 2018, England has used six different top-level combinations in its 18 tests. Only Rory Burns seems to have secured his place.
However, the Pakistani skipper is in awe of the bowling attack in England on his own terms, led by James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer.
“Your bowling attack is brilliant on its own terms and there is no doubt about it,” said Azhar.
“With the exception of Jofra Archer, we faced everyone – Broad, Anderson, (Chris) Woakes, (Ben) Stokes and even (Mark) Wood were there, but we still won against them.”
An inexperienced fast bowling bowling cast is considered Pakistan’s weak link, but Ali supported Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi to perform excellently under English conditions.
“Obviously, England has a lot of experience in bowling in terms of the number of games. But we have the skills: you (our bowlers) are young and have a lot to offer.
“They can cause problems for any team in the world. They have achieved a lot in a very short time, and that is a good sign,” he said.
“You can’t buy experience right away, and you have to play more for that, of course, but then we have a very experienced coaching team with Waqar Younis and Mushtaq Ahmed. Their expertise and knowledge can be used and they will help them.”
Shortly after landing in Manchester, the entire 20-strong Pakistan will go through a 14-day quarantine period.
All six games of the tour are played behind closed doors in a “bio-safe environment”.
