'We are still playing the game in an old fashioned way' - Former pacer Aaqib Javed feels Pakistan will struggle in England

Pakistan are set to take on England in three Tests and as many T20Is in August-September. The series will be a breakthrough one for the Men in Green as they will brace the field for the first time since COVID-19 outbreak.

A batch of players, led by Test captain Azhar Ali and ODI captain Babar Azam have already arrived in the UK and are undergoing a two-week quarantine in Worcestershire. The tour will be one-of-a-kind as the players will follow the new ICC post-coronavirus world regulations, which also includes the ban on usage of saliva.

The cricket world was left divided after the ban of saliva as many former players believe that saliva was an essential weapon for a bowler to shine the ball. According to a set of fans, the game will completely shift in the favour of the batsmen post the saliva ban.

Former Pakistan pacer Aqib Javed also believes that the saliva ban will affect the Pakistani pacers as they rely on reverse swing. He even said that the current Pakistan pace attack lacks experience and that will be a major advantage for the touring side.

Pakistan pace attack lacks experience and a bit of quality: Aaqib Javed

“If we look at the Pakistan pace attack, it lacks experience and a bit of quality. Abbas is an experienced bowler but he has lost pace and it will affect his performance,” said Javed.

“Also, after the ban of saliva, most Pakistan fast bowlers will struggle as they mostly rely on the reverse swing and take wickets with the old ball. Shaheen Shah Afridi is a rising fast bowler and he can do well but the highly-rated Naseem Shah lacks experience and this series will be a big test for the young pacer,” he added.

Javed also said that Pakistan’s old fashioned approach to Test cricket will affect their chances of winning the series. According to him, England batsmen have the tendency to score runs at a rapid pace, unlike the Pakistan batting force.

“Their batsmen not only score big but also at a rapid pace and that is where Pakistan will lack as we are still playing the game in an old fashioned way,” Javed said.

“If Pakistan manage to play 125 overs we still may not score enough runs as compared to England who can smash a huge score in as many overs and can outplay the opposition after that,” he added.