Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah is hoping to enjoy some help from the surfaces in England during the three-match Test series, beginning August 5. 

Yasir is banking on the fact that the squares at venues in Manchester and Southampton will be deteriorated by the time his team plays on them, having hosted West Indies and Ireland in Test and ODI fixtures. 

Read Also: Haider Ali, Kashif Bhatti, Imran Khan cleared to join Pakistan squad after COVID-19 tests 

Only two venues are being used in England for the summer international fixtures this year as they offer on-sight hotels which help in the creation of a bio-secure bubble in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"I think we need to look at the pitches before deciding (on the team combination)," said Yasir in his video conference with PCB media. "Obviously, the tracks in England during July-August tend to assist spinners."

Manchester's Old Trafford ground will host the first Test, followed by the next two matches at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. 

"Hopefully, we should be able to compete well. The preparation has been good so far. We've arrived one month early and so, there is a lot more time left," said Yasir. 

"When we came in 2016, we had a two weeks camp in Southampton. So we're accustomed to the tracks over there. We also played an ODI there. Yes, spinners do enjoy the conditions there. We hope to make use of that."

With a young pace attack around him, Yasir is suddenly Pakistan's most experienced bowler, a tag he admitted brings pressure, but also said is something he wishes to live up to with spin-bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed providing help. 

"It's a challenge I'm looking forward to," he said. "On our 2016 tour, I was able to do well and fortunately, Mushy (Mushtaq Ahmed) was there at that time too. He used to keep telling me what to do. His experience of playing in England and county cricket has helped me a lot."

Yasir will definitely have a point to prove, having gone through a disappointing phase in his career where he struggled on tours to South Africa, Australia and tackled fitness issues. 

"I had to endure a lot of struggles," he stressed. "There was a fracture and returning from such an injury was tough for me. Recovery and (regaining) form were tough."

"But I gained confidence steadily and the rhythm started to return. Over here, the practice has been good and Mushy has been constantly giving me tips on areas to improve."

(Inputs from Cricbuzz)