It would be unlikely for many to predict that England will alter their strategy in the forthcoming series against Pakistan, given that they finished the English summer on a high note by winning five of the six Test matches played. Since the Bazball style of play has long been associated with the English system, it is difficult to imagine them departing from their aggressive form of cricket.
Saud Shakeel, Pakistan’s middle-order batsman and vice captain, said the visitors could use the opposition’s aggressive style of play as leverage. In addition, Shakeel highlighted the inadequacies he could draw from Pakistan’s series defeat by Bangladesh, emphasising that the team’s philosophy was to focus all of their efforts on their game plan.
Shakeel was cited by as saying, “England always plays attacking cricket, and that always gives you an opportunity to induce mistakes in them and to use their mistakes to stay in the game.”
We’re not always able to turn starts into big runs because of our batsmanship issues. That is cause for alarm. The concluded series is now in the past. To be honest, we weren’t that good there. We’re concentrating on the future. However, we don’t play cricket in a specific style; instead, we adapt to the needs of the moment, which allows us flexibility,” he continued.
If we simply allow them to make mistakes, it can be more advantageous for us: Saud Shakeel
Speaking about the apparent playing conditions Multan offers, Saud Shakeel stated that one strategy Pakistan might use would be to let England get carried away with their own overly daring actions. During England’s final tour to the Asian country in 2022, Shakeel managed to score 346 runs in six innings, making him the second highest run scorer for Pakistan. He would therefore be hoping to raise his stats this time around.
“The plan of action will be determined immediately based on England’s performance. Depending on the conditions and the prepared pitch, reverse-swing might also be used.
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It’s simple to get carried away by an aggressive team’s style of play and overaggressive playmaking. Shakeel said, “It might be better for us if they’re attacking and we just let them make their mistakes.”
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