The way England demolished Sri Lanka in the first test, it will take a herculean effort from Pakistan to stop the English juggernaut when they visit England in July.However, Pakistani pacer Wahab Riaz is hopeful of putting up a fine show in England.
In an interview with PakPassion.net, the left-arm pacer, who is currently in England to play NatWest T20 blast for Essex, said that they are well aware of the English batsmen’s weakness and will try to exploit them.
Wahab asserted, “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 acclimatized as soon as possible. I believe the Pakistani bowlers will test the England batsmen.”
However, he also admitted that England would be very strong in the home conditions and they would have to be at the top of their game to have any chance in the series.
“In home conditions, England are a very tough opponent. So, it’s going to be a big challenge for us. We are going to have to play our top game to compete with England,”he said.
English pacers Stuart Broad and James Anderson will be the biggest threat for Pakistani batsmen.The duo claimed 15 of the 20 Sri Lankan wickets that fell in the first test.
Wahab Riaz is well aware of the threat possessed by them, and said:“Broad and Anderson are bowlers who are lethal in favorable conditions, especially when overhead conditions are cloudy and they know exactly how to bowl in such conditions.”
He added, “Our batsmen need to have their wits about them and concentrate fully against two such high-caliber bowlers. I think it will be a very interesting battle between Broad and Anderson and the Pakistani batsmen.”
Wahab also expressed his excitement to work under new coach Micky Arthur and hoped that his appointment would be a successful one for Pakistani cricket.
“He’s a big name and comes into the role with a big reputation. He’s been a very successful coach and is very experienced. Working with a new coach is always exciting and interesting as they all work in different ways and have different ideas and philosophies so it promises to be an exciting time. He was Head Coach of Karachi Kings at the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and I met him a few times during that tournament so I’m looking forward to working with him. I’m sure he will bring the best out of the players and will be a successful appointment,” he said.