Pace attack key in England, Ireland: Asad

LAHORE: Middle order batsman Asad Shafiq believes that in the absence of injured spinner Yasir Shah, Pakistan’s pace attack is the key in the upcoming series against England and Ireland.

Talking to media, he said that Pakistan has an edge over England and Ireland for having some brilliant fast bowlers in the side. “Our fast bowling has the capacity to trouble the opposition. Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali have been very and the conditions favor the fast bowlers, so I believe as a fast bowling unit we have an edge over them in getting the opposition out as quickly as possible,” Shafiq said on sidelines of the training camp of national probables at the Gaddafi Stadium.

However, Shafiq added that Pakistan’s batting line too will need to up their game and support the bowlers. “As a batting unit, we will look to give enough space to our bowlers that they can bowled the opposition,” he said.

Speaking about his role in the squad, Shafiq who bats at sixth position said that he would ‘definitely’ be batting up the batting line, however, the decision resides with the management. “We are mainly concentrating on our batting because the conditions out there are tough for bating but as a professional cricketer it is our responsibility to perform despite the odds,” Shafiq added.

Shafiq admitted that the departure of Yasir Shah owing to injury was a blow to the side but was optimistic that the young spinners including Shadab Khan are good enough.“Shah is a spinner who doesn’t need conditions to get wickets. However, the spinners that we have are good enough to make a difference,” he said.Pakistan are scheduled to play three Test matches during tours of England and Ireland.