UAE coach Aaqib Javed believes any hopes of Pakistan winning the Test series against England will depend entirely on how Yasir Shah performs.
Leg-spinner Shah has been in lethal form with the ball since making his Test debut against Australia last October, taking 61 wickets in 10 Tests.
He will be looking to add to that tally when the opening game of the three-match Test series begins in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
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The 29-year-old spinner and his team-mates have been warming-up for the series by sparring against the UAE team.
Although no scores were registered at Abu Dhabi’s Nursery Oval on Saturday, Javed had a closer look at Shah and came back impressed.
“I think Yasir Shah will be crucial and if he does well then I can see Pakistan winning the series,” said the former Pakistan pacer.
“From what I saw yesterday, he was getting into his rhythm and although he struggled a bit and got hit for some boundaries he did really well.
“He is someone who can be a target for big runs but he has the capability of taking wickets and he will be the key person for Pakistan.
“If he doesn’t take more than 10 to 15 wickets, then it’s going to be tough on Pakistan.”
Javed was a member of the Pakistan coaching staff when they last played England in the UAE, three years ago.
England lost all three Tests in that series but Javed feels Alastair Cook’s men are a much better side now.
He said: “England are a really different team than they were in 2012. Stuart Broad has improved considerably and James Anderson is good enough to bowl in any conditions on any pitch.
“Joe Root is playing extremely well and if they can overcome Yasir Shah then I think Pakistan are in for a tough time.”
