ISLAMABAD: Aggression will be England’s key strategy yet again for the three-match Test series, claimed Zak Crawley during his media talk in Multan on Friday.
The England cricket team opener who is back again after recovering from an injured finger said there would be no difference to the team’s strategy from the one on display when England last visited for the Test series a few years ago.
Crawley during the media talk also highlighted spinners’ role in the series. “Aggression and attacking cricket will be the keywords yet again going into the three-match Test series against Pakistan,” Crawley said.
England outmaneuvered Pakistan 3-0, showing unprecedented attacking skills known as the ‘bazball’ cricket during their last trip to Pakistan in 2022. The tourists whitewashed Pakistan 3-0 in the series that saw records of brisk scoring tumbling in each session of play especially at the Pindi Stadium.
The tourists again planned to play that brand of cricket going into the three-match series starting with the opening Test at Multan Stadium on October 7. “We have all the boxes ticked going into the series. There is a general feeling that the playing surfaces will help spinners. In that case, we are equipped with some quality spinners with the majority (Rehan and Shoaib) being young and willing to perform.”
He also expects surfaces and grounds here to help the reverse swing. “That aspect is also in our mind. You cannot rule out the element of reverse swing in such hot weather.” The opening attacking batsman has some unforgettable experience of playing big innings against Pakistan in 2022.
“Now when I am back in the squad after recovering from injury I am confident and hopeful to start where I left off playing when the last time we were here to play Test series.” Crawley admitted that the weather poses considerable challenges for the visitors. “It is extremely hot even hotter than when we were last time here. It will be a test of our skills and patience. We are ready for any scenario even ready to face tough conditions.”
The English opener praised Pakistan’s batting line-up as a classy one. “Form is temporary but the class is permanent. You never know about Pakistan when they start coming hard on you. We cannot take them lightly as the hosts have got some exceptional batsmen in their line-up. We had to be at our best to beat them.”
He praised Babar Azam as one of the best around. “You cannot discard such a class batsman. Babar is a quality batsman and we have to be at our best to get him out.” Crawley admitted that the bowling armory the visitors were carrying was less experienced than the one that was here before. “We miss some of the key experienced fast bowlers who were here last time. The youngsters however have the required enthusiasm to perform and can deliver in these conditions.” He praised the Multan people for extending all the support and hospitality to the visitors. “We appreciate the hospitality and support they have shown for us since our arrival here.”