'This pitch has Mohammad Abbas written all over it' - Michael Vaughan warns England batsmen

Former cricketer Michael Vaughan has been quite vocal in expressing his opinions on various matters during the ongoing Test between England and Pakistan in Southampton. In his latest interview, he praised the Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas. Vaughan claims that he wouldn’t have been able to relax a bit if he had to face the pacer’s deliveries on the same pitch.

He reckons that Southampton pitch is very much suitable for the likes of Mohammad Abbas as it offers great swing and his accuracy can definitely act as a nightmare for England’s batsmen. The ongoing second Test between England and Pakistan has been marred due to rain and bad light. Only 86 overs of play was possible on the first two days and even the first session of the third day is washed out with Pakistan posting 223/9 on the board. However, Michael Vaughan still reckons that there could be a result in this Test thanks to the spicy pitch on offer.

“I think there can be a result because the pitch is doing plenty. It is a classic English Test match style wicket. There is a green tinge and plenty of seam movement. When you have Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Abbas it is going to be very tough. This pitch has Mohammad Abbas written all over it. He is going to love it on a length. He is going to wobble it either way.

“I said last week, I would have had nightmares facing him at Old Trafford. I would not even be able to sleep a wink knowing I am facing Abbas tomorrow morning on this deck,” he said while speaking to Cricbuzz.

Vaughan lauds Mohammad Rizwan’s knock

The 45-year-old was in awe of innings pulled off by Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan. It was only because of his unbeaten 60 that Pakistan was able to breach the 200-run mark. James Anderson and Stuart Broad dominated the opposition earlier picking wickets at will.

“He [Rizwan] has got that spirit and fire. I like anyone who can give chirp and take it. He matches up the opposition chirps with skills, determination and discipline. All of a sudden, Babar was out and he had to start to get the scoreboard ticking. He hit some magnificent strokes. He has got that mentality and the temperament for this kind of level. We are going to see him for a long period of time. This score is a decent on this surface,” Michael Vaughan added.