Dry English Pitches Could Prove Helpful for Pakistan’s Spinners: Saud Shakeel
LEEDS: Pakistan middle-order batsman Saud Shakeel has said that the current weather conditions in England might be conducive to the Pakistan side as the pitches are expected to help the spinners in the process.The Pakistan side had won a stunning 8-wicket contest in Port of Spain against the West Indies in the Test and also 7 wickets in a practice match against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham before they arrived in England.Saud Shakeel scored an unbeaten century and left-arm spinner Ali Usman picked up five wickets in the win over the County Select XI.
Saud Shakeel, ahead of the series, said that each Test match offers a new challenge and Pakistan will try its level best. He noted that, under the conditions of summer in England, pitches can get very dry and this will help spin bowlers.
The England squad meanwhile is to begin their campaign with a new captain. Joe Root, who was in charge of the batting, will replace Ben Stokes in the England team, while Stephen Fleming will coach the side.
The veteran batter Joe Root will lead the England side while the head coach Stephen Fleming will take charge of the side after Brendon McCullum stepped aside from the coaching role. On Wednesday, August 19, the first innings of the ICC World Test Championship series between Pakistan and England will begin at Headingley Ground in Leeds.