Acclimatising to English conditions key to Pakistan victory says Wahab Riaz

Karachi: Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz has said his side will need to acclimatise to the English conditions to outclass the hosts in their upcoming tour starting on 14 July.

Pakistan will play four Tests, five One-Days and a T20. The first Test begins on 14 July.

“England is a very tough opponent in home conditions, therefore, the green-shirts would have to be on top of their game to compete with the English team,” Riaz was quoted as saying by The Dawn on Saturday.

“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 acclimatised as soon as possible.”

Riaz also said that once they are attuned to the conditions Pakistan pacers have the ability to test the England batsmen.

“It is absolutely crucial that we get used to the conditions and the wickets as soon as possible and I believe the Pakistani bowlers will test the England batsmen,” he said.

Riaz also said that it is vital that their batsmen prepare well before the series as the conditions would be quite alien to them.

“I think it is vital that our batsmen prepare well ahead of the England series. Our batsmen have the capability to put up some good scores on the board for the bowlers to work with. Let us see what sorts of wickets are prepared for the series as the nature of the pitches will be very important,” stated the left-arm pacer.

Speaking of new Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur, the 30-year-old said, “Mickey was the head coach of Karachi Kings during Pakistan Super League (PSL) and I am sure he will bring the best out of the players and will be a successful appointment.”