I think Pakistan should do better than Sri Lanka: Mohammad Yousuf

Within a month’s time, Pakistan will be leaving for the tour of England, and according to the former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousuf, it is going to be a tough tour for his side. Pakistan is placed third behind Australia and India after a series of convincing performances in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. But most of the Test playing nations nowadays are performing well only on their home soil.

“What worries me is that Pakistan’s Test cricket has mainly been restricted to the UAE for the last few years and in England they have a lot at stake to guard their excellent Test record,” the 41-year old said.

Yusuf said that the first priority should be given to ensure that they don’t get folded up like what happened to Sri Lanka in the ongoing series. Sri Lanka had lost the first two Test matches quite convincingly against England. The third Test match is yet to begin.

“It is going to be a tough tour for us and our first priority should be to ensure we don’t fold up like Sri Lanka has done in England,” he said.

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Yusuf is confident that with the likes of experienced campaigners like Younis, Misbah-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq, Pakistan can do well overseas, if they adjust to the conditions quickly. “I think Pakistan should do better than Sri Lanka. Because Younis, Misbah, Azhar and Asad Shafiq all have plenty of experience but the key will be how quickly they adjust to the English conditions and pitches.”

He noted that even the top Indian batsmen had struggled in England and thus if Pakistan does well, they would be a top Test side. “If Pakistan does well in England it would have shown everyone that it is a top test side,” Yousuf added.

Yusuf is not happy that the Pakistan coach is yet to join the players with the big series knocking on the doors. “The team is due to leave for England in a few days and the new coach is yet to join the players. I don t think this is ideal preparation for such a big series.” Yousuf said he was not aware what agreement the Pakistan board had with Mickey Arthur.

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Pakistan will begin their tour of England with a 3-day match against Somerset starting on 3rd July, and follow it up with another 3-day match against Sussex of 8th July. First Test match between England and Pakistan will start from July 14.