Even as saliva-ban catches all attention, Pakistan Test captain Azhar Ali pointed out how managing over rates within the new playing conditions dictated by the ICC will be one other major challenge for fielding teams. 

As per the interim directives issued by the governing body for cricket matches played amid the COVID-19 pandemic, bowlers will have to leave their sweaters and caps outside the boundary rope instead of traditionally handing them over to the umpire, another means to avoid potential on-field Coronavirus spread. 

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This, in England especially, could have a telling impact on the over rate, which Pakistan got a first-hand experience of in Worcester during its scenario-based inter-squad warm-up match on July 5th and 6th. 

"There are some areas where we have to adapt," said Azhar in a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). "In this weather, it was only the fast bowlers who sweated so it was a challenge for us to shine the ball. But, that's something which will change as the weather continues to get warm."

"The most challenging thing, however, was that the bowlers had to put their sweaters and caps outside the boundary rope because of which managing the over rate was getting a bit difficult."

"Especially in Yasir Shah's case, he fields in the circle but had to go all the way to the boundary to put his things. But, I am comfortable that we will adapt to these changes as we still have a two-day and two four-day matches to play and they will help us," the skipper added. 

Azhar is hoping this warm-up game, as well as the next two they'll play in Derbyshire, will help his players, who hadn't even trained properly for three months before arriving in the UK due to the pandemic that has ravaged the world. 

"Both batsmen and bowlers have adapted to the conditions," he stressed. "The wind was troubling the bowlers initially but they overcame it, which was heartening. Definitely, the players are going to need some time to adjust. Despite the break, they are in good shape which is a positive sign for us."

"All the batsmen batted quite well especially Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq and Abid Ali seemed in total control. Shan Masood adapted well to the conditions and Mohammad Rizwan looked in good shape," added Azhar. 

"Mohammad Abbas is our experienced bowler and his presence is of advantage for us as he also keeps guiding the youngsters. He is someone who can be a very important member of the attack for us."

"Naseem Shah bowled very well in the scenario-based match. He will attain more control as he continues to bowl," he concluded. 

Manchester will host the first Test of the marquee series from August 5, followed by the last two matches in Southampton. The visitors will come back to the Old Trafford for concluding the tour with three T20Is in early September.

The entire trip, for which Pakistan players are currently going through the necessary two-week quarantine period, will be conducted in a bio-secure bubble. 

(Inputs from Cricbuzz)