Abdul Qadir believes that Yasir Shah has a long way to go

Former Pakistani spinner Abdul Qadir believes that Yasir Shah has a long way to go if he wants to solidify his place as the world’s best bowler in the world, something he was shortly after the first Test match against England at Lord’s a few months back. However, Qadir was all praise for the Pakistani side that came ever so close to securing an improbable win against the Australians in the first Test at the GABBA.

Qadir was also impressed with the way Asad Shafiq carried himself in the second innings as they came within 40 runs of the Australian total. However, an impressive bouncer from Mitchell Starc and a follow-up reflexive run-out from Steve Smith ensured that the match was well and truly completed. “It was a great team effort by Asad Shafiq and others and no praise is high enough for the manner in which Pakistan fought back in Brisbane,” said Qadir.

Qadir also went on to state that Yasir Shah needed to learn how to use the crease and how to trap batsmen effectively. “Yasir must learn how to use the crease and vary the pace,” said Qadir while speaking to Dawn News. “He (Yasir) also needs to plan and trap good batsmen like Steve Smith and others on these wickets which are the hallmark of great bowlers.”

“He has been a match-winner, both in the UAE as well as in England, and if he is able to perform well in next two Tests in Australia, he will truly earn his reputation as the world’s best bowler,” said Qadir.

“The ball will not only reverse there, it will also provide more turn to Yasir,” he said. “I feel that this is Yasir’s chance to create history if he performs well and leads his side to memorable wins.”

Abdul Qadir also went on to point out that two spinners in the attack would perhaps open up the horizons for variation. “Two spinners in the line-up will not only provide variation to Pakistan attack, it will also help them manage the workload of the pace bowlers,” he pointed out.

“The real problem has been the placid wickets in the UAE and dull weather conditions there which hardly pose any challenge to either our batsmen or bowlers,” observed Qadir. “Our players score heavily and spinners take the bulk of wickets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi but now this Australian tour is the litmus test of their abilities and they must work hard to overcome the odds and win the series.”