England Vs Pakistan test series is on the way & Pakistan Test Skipper Azhar Ali on Wednesday said that the squad has successfully adapted to the challenging English Cricket Conditions & is in positive shape.
Pakistan players have started their preparations for the first Test & T20I series against England with a two-day inter-squad scenario-based practice match played on July 5 & 6 at Worcester. “Both batsmen and bowlers have adapted to the conditions. Definitely, the players are going to need some time to adjust. Despite the break, they are in good shape which is a positive sign for us,” Azhar told Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) official website.
“All the batsmen batted quite well especially Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq and Abid Ali seemed in total control, Shan Masood adapted well to the conditions and Mohammad Rizwan looked in good shape,” he added.
Pakistan players started their training from June 30 after a long gap of 3 months due to the coronavirus pandemic & Captain Azhar Ali believes that experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas will guide the newcomers & will share his knowledge with young seamers.
“Mohammad Abbas is our experienced bowler and his presence is of advantage for us as he also keeps guiding the youngsters. Naseem Shah bowled very well in the scenario-based match. He will attain more control as he continues to bowl,” Azhar said.
The Captain also admitted that it will be a big challenge for the players to play cricket at “full strength” after the coronavirus enforced break but practice matches will help the players to come back on track quickly.
“We are playing cricket after a long time and it is not going to be easy to start at full-strength. We have to go step-by-step and I am very happy that the boys utilized their practice time of four days well,” Azhar said.
The first test match between England & Pakistan will be played at Old Trafford, Manchester on August 5. Pakistan’s team is currently in a 14-day Quarantine after which they will travel to Derby-shire on July 13.
