Business Standard

England batsmen weak against spin: Pakistan leggie Shah

Image

IANS Dubai

Ahead of the second cricket Test against England, Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah has vowed to exploit the visiting batsmen's weaknesses against spin bowling.

Yasir missed the opening drawn match between the sides last week due to a back spasm, but looked set to return and add to his impressive career figures of 61 wickets in just 10 Tests.

The 29-year-old believes England's batsmen have long been susceptible to high-class leg-spin and is looking to make the most of the conditions in Dubai, despite Moeen Ali's claims that Joe Root is the "best in the world against spin".

"In the nets, I try to bowl as per the videos of their batsman and weaknesses I've noticed. I've focused on those weaknesses. I think they (England) are weak against the leg-spinners, so will strongly try to exploit that," Shah was quoted as saying by SkySports on Tuesday.

 

"I watched Shane Warne in the Ashes, and I noticed they are weak against leg-spin. So I've watched those videos and have tried in the nets to bowl like that," he said.

Shah, who has taken 14 wickets in two Tests at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, has confirmed he is now ready for action after injuring himself in the nets before the opening Test in Abu Dhabi.

"I am 99 percent fit. I did bowl in practice on the third day of the Test, and I didn't feel any pain," he said.

England skipper Alastair Cook scored 263 against Pakistan as England recovered to almost secure the unlikeliest of victories in last week's first Test, but Shah admitted he has England's captain in his sights.

"He played very well in the first innings, but I always relish this kind of challenge to bowl at good batsmen," Shah said.

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Oct 21 2015 | 5:38 PM IST

Explore News