Pakistan's opening batsman Shan Masood believes that the hosts England will have an extra edge over the tourists in the upcoming three-match Test series starting on August 5 at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground.
Masood, who has played 20 Tests, said England will have the extra advantage, as Pakistan do not have sufficient match time or international matches under their belt after the COVID-19 lockdown in the ongoing three-match Test series against the West Indies.
Masood stated in a video conference: “Coming here early has allowed us to acclimatize, there is no substitute for match time. In that sense, England has an advantage.”
The left-hander further added, “But the basics don't change; we have to figure out how to get 20 wickets, and how to score 300-400 runs in an innings. So our primary focus has to be on our preparations. We have a few advantages too, in that we can analyze their performances and work on their weaknesses. These things balance each other out.”
He has also lauded England's fast-bowling depth while saying veteran pacer James Anderson, in particular, will be a big threat for Pakistan in the upcoming Test series.
Masood added, “Jimmy Anderson is a world-class bowler. By achievements, he's perhaps the number one fast bowler in the world right now. He carries a threat, of course, and several other England bowlers carry a threat. England's resource depth is very good. They had few very good bowlers sitting on the bench during the opening Test against West Indies, particularly pacers.”
The left-hander has been himself struggling against Anderson over the years as the 37-year-old Englishman has dismissed Pakistani batsman in all six innings that he played against him.
He signed off by saying, “You learn from the past and the mistakes you made then, but you also learn not to become fixated on the past. You should also know when to move on. Things have changed since 2016. The mistakes we've made before we have to learn from, but we have to react to the needs of today. Nothing is constant, and I want to live in the present.”
(With ESPNCricinfo Inputs)
