Yasir Shah feels Pakistan would have beaten England had he played in the first Test match
Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah claimed that his side would have beaten England in the first Test at Abu Dhabi had he played in the match, ESPNCricinfo reports. The 29-year-old added that he is not weighed down by expectations and revealed that he is close to full fitness.
Playing their ‘home’ series in the UAE, Pakistan narrowly avoided defeat in the series opener after a dramatic collapse in their second innings as bad light stopped play on the final day with England only 25 runs away from victory. However, Shah believes that the match would have had an altogether different complexion had he not been ruled out by injury.
"Since I bowl (a) bit quicker so that could have helped me. So had I played in the Test, the game could have been in a different position and I might have contributed to win it," he said.
Shah added that he had been planning extensively for the series, targetting the weaknesses of individual players and is hopeful of playing a major role in the second Test which begins on Thursday having made much progress on the injury front.
"I had worked so hard watching videos of England players, marking their weaknesses. I was unfortunate with the injury so whatever comes next I am ready for it. I am close to full fitness - for now I am 90 to 95% fit but I am feeling much better. I have bowled some 13 overs on the sidelines during the first Test, but now I am going to bowl full with batting and fielding," Shah said.
“Obviously you feel dejected when you miss out on something very important for which you have planned so hard," he said. "But it's not a big deal. I only didn't bowl for like three or four days and hopefully will get over this gap.”
Explaining the sequence of events leading up to the back injury, Shah expressed relief that it was not a serious one.
"It was all fine and I was out there for the warm-up session when I was asked by Mushi to bowl a couple of overs. But I fell on the fifth bowl and at (that) time, I felt that I couldn't even walk but by the grace of Allah it wasn't serious. I was scared earlier before coming out in the field, but the doctor convinced me not to worry and my all fear was quashed."
Shah added that he is confident that he can live up to the expectations Pakistan have from him.
"Pressure of expectations are immense naturally," he admitted. "When we were coming on this tour everyone was talking my name, expecting me to do all and take wickets. Even my plan is similar and I am hoping to do the best I can do for Pakistan."