Yasir Shah is convinced he has spotted England’s weaknesses against his leg-spin and is eager to add to his prolific career record of 61 wickets in just 10 Tests.
The 29-year-old is a dead ringer, some think, for football superstar Lionel Messi – and has proved already he also has all the tricks to make fools of world-class opponents.
Yasir has spent his unscheduled week off fine-tuning plans, and has spotted some openings in England’s defence.
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Even Alastair Cook, after his marathon double-century, is in his sights.
“He played very well in the first innings, but I always relish this kind of challenge to bowl at good batsmen,” said Yasir.
He has taken 14 wickets in his only two Tests at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and combined with left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar to bowl Pakistan to victory over Australia on his debut exactly a year ago.
Yasir is anticipating further success against England.
“In the nets, I try to bowl as per the videos of their batsmen and weaknesses I’ve noticed,” he said. “I’ve focused on those weaknesses. I think they are weak against the leg-spinners so will strongly try to exploit that.”
Yasir believes English batsmen have long been susceptible to high-class leg-spin, and still are.
“I watched ( Shane) Warne in the Ashes, and I noticed they are weak against leg-spin," he explained. “So I’ve watched those videos and have tried in the nets to bowl like that.”
A week ago, Yasir could barely move after injuring himself in the nets – but he confirmed he is ready for action again.
“I am 99% fit. He insists the problem that cropped up in Abu Dhabi was a one-off. When I came to bowl the fifth ball I fell down and felt the back problem.
“It was difficult to even walk then, but now I am thankfully well.
“The doctors told me it’s just a muscle problem and not deep. Now the pain has gone – as well as the fear, which I had running in to bowl.”
