Pakistan’s spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed has come out in support of his bowlers despite a tough Day 1 of the third and final Test at Ageas Bowl, saying the Southampton pitch was “very flat” while claiming the “weather played a huge role” in the tourists struggle on Friday (August 21).
Southampton Test’s opening day was completely dominated by England, thanks to Zak Crawley’s brilliant maiden Test hundred (171*) and an unbroken 205-run partnership with Jos Buttler for the fifth wicket to take the hosts to 332/4 at Stumps on Friday.
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Following the disappointing day, Pakistan spin bowling coach Mushtaq admitted the touring bowlers especially new-comers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi found it hard to bowl in "tough conditions" while saying it would take time for a "very young bowling attack" to learn how to handle the pressure.
Mushtaq said at the post-day press conference: “It was quite tough. The weather played a huge role. The pitch was very flat, and the toss was vital on that pitch. And because the wind was there the whole day, it was very difficult for the bowlers to control their line and length consistently. It was tough especially for young bowlers like Naseem [Shah] and Shaheen [Shah Afridi]. They are new to Test cricket but they made a huge effort and they can be proud of it.”
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He further added, “I think we are working on how to deal with being under pressure. When the opposition attacks your young bowlers, it naturally is difficult for them to handle it. But obviously, the credit goes to Crawley and Buttler. They played very well, and this is a flat first-day pitch. The wind made it even tougher, and that's not an excuse, but it's also reality.”
Former Pakistan spinner also said Pakistan needs to bowl out England inside 400 in the first session on day two to make comeback in the final Test in Southampton.
Mushtaq signed off by saying, “We need to try and bowl them out in the first session under 400. That leaves us with over three-and-a-half days and an opportunity to put up a big total ourselves.”
(With ESPNcricinfo Inputs)
