Former pacer Aaqib Javed thinks that Pakistan will struggle in England in the upcoming series. Javed believes that it would not be easy for the Asian side as the hosts raised their game over the last few years.
England have a quality line-up
Aaqib Javed was quoted by Dawn as saying, “Pakistan did well in the last two Test series [in England] and we were able to draw the Test series, but during the last one or two years England have really raised their game and the way they are playing cricket in all three formats is just remarkable.”
Pakistan will take on England for three-match Test series starting in the first week of July. But former pacer believes that the hosts will give a tough time to Pakistan with their quality line-up. “Pakistan will struggle in the Test series as they have a quality line-up, They have world-class fast bowlers in the shape of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer as well as a match-winning all-rounder like Ben Stokes and also they have a fine Test batting line up.”
Saliva ban will affect Pakistan
He further opined that Saliva ban would affect the Pakistani pacers. As the Pakistani pacers lack experience and quality, the modified rule by the ICC will not be easy for them to adapt. “If we look at the Pakistan pace attack, it lacks experience and a bit of quality,” Javed said. He added, “Abbas is an experienced bowler but he has lost pace and it will affect his performance. Shaheen Shah Afridi is a rising fast bowler and he can do well but the highly-rated Naseem Shah lacks experience and this series will be a big test for the young pacer.”
Then he shared his thoughts, “Also, after the ban of saliva, most Pakistan fast bowlers will struggle as they mostly rely on reverse swing and take wickets with the old ball.”
