'I am consistently practicing my batting' - Yasir Shah reveals he wants to score a century in England

Pakistan are all set to brace the field against England next month to mark their return to the sport amid COVID-19 pandemic. The historic series will be Pakistan’s first expedition in the post-coronavirus world as the Men in Green will play three Tests in England, followed by as many T20Is.

The exceptional tour will also feature interim ICC post-coronavirus world regulations, including the much-debated ban on saliva. Moreover, the matches will be played behind closed doors and the players will reside in a biosecure bubble during the course of the series.

Ahead of the much-awaited series starting from 5th August, Pakistan international Yasir Shah has expressed his desire to score a century on the English soil. In December 2019, Yasir got his name on the Adelaide Oval honours board for scoring a Test hundred at the venue, after his 113-run knock helped Pakistan to post 302 runs on the scoreboard.

While speaking to media ahead of the series, Yasir also revealed that he has been practicing his batting skills as well in the nets.

“I am hopeful for a good showing in the series against England. The weather and conditions will help Pakistan. Calling our players inexperienced is not completely true. Our young bowlers have been performing really well. Mohammad Abbas has experience playing county cricket. There are a lot of expectations from Shaheen Shah,” said Yasir as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.

We will get an advantage because of the swing in England: Yasir Shah

“We will get an advantage because of the swing on offer in England. Googly and leg-breaks are my weapons. I am concentrating on my batting as well and will try to score a hundred in England. I am consistently practicing my skills as a batsman in the nets” he added.

Yasir has represented Pakistan in 39 Tests and 25 ODIs, scalping 213 and 24 wickets respectively. 34-year-old Yasir also acknowledged the effort of Mushtaq Ahmed and revealed that he has been working really hard to return to the field post his injury. The leg-spinner also said that the team is hopeful to put up a strong batting performance against the hosts to take the pressure off Pakistan’s bowlers.

“My performance was impacted by my injury. I have worked really hard to come back. My confidence is back and I am satisfied with my bowling. Bowling Coach, Mushtaq Ahmed is giving me his undivided attention. Having him back with the team has been very beneficial. Expectations increase with good performances. I will try to reach those expectations,” he said.

“Pakistan has a strong batting line-up. We are hopeful that our batsmen will do well. If the batting does well, it takes away the pressure from the bowlers,” added Yasir.