Islamabad
Former Pakistani Skipper Wasim Akram believes the key to victory for Pakistan revolves around the ability of their batsmen to set the tone in the first Test at Old Trafford against England and then allow time for spinner Yasir Shah to weave his magic. ‘England are firm favourites but, make no mistake, Pakistan have the ability to upset England, as long as they can get runs on the board,’ inews.co.uk quoted Wasim as saying. ‘Scores of 250 are not going to trouble England, what Pakistan need to be aiming for, batting first, are scores of 350 or more and then build pressure on England. ‘If Pakistan can get those runs on the board in the first innings, then that brings Yasir Shah into the equation and he could be the main weapon, especially on the Old Trafford pitch,’ he said. Wasim said Pakistan’s batting would be comforted by having prolific batsman Babar Azam at their disposal. ‘Pakistan has to be positive against England and not go into their shell and be defensive,’ he said. ‘It will be tough against the likes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who are both great bowlers and have over 1,000 Test wickets between them. ‘But I expect that Babar Azam will be the main star for Pakistan and although there will be pressure on him. ‘I think he can cope with the expectations and pressure and show the world why he is so highly rated.’ —APP
