Shafiq feels pacemen give Pakistan the edge

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Pakistan batsman Asad Shafiq believes his team have the pace bowling reserves to come out on top against England in the Test series next month.

The Asian side will play Ireland in a one-off Test in Dublin from 11 May before taking on England in a two-match series.

The conditions will most likely be in favour of the seam bowlers and Shafiq is confident that the likes of Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali will take advantage of conditions.

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Shafiq told reporters: “We do possess the quality to win the series. Conditions in England are bowling friendly but as a batting unit we will try to give our bowlers enough space to get the hosts out.

“Our fast-bowling has the capacity [to dismiss England twice]. Amir and Hasan are bowling well in the nets too.

“The condition in England will be favourable for bowlers. I think we have an edge over England as a fast-bowling unit. But as a batting unit we will have to follow up after our bowlers have done their job.”

A big loss for Pakistan is that of leg-spinner Yasir Shah who will miss out on the tour due to a hip injury.

Shafiq is confident though that Shadab Khan, who is likely to replace Yasir in the starting line-up, will be able to do the job required.

The middle-order batsman continued: “Yasir is not a conditions-assisted bowler. He can get any team out on any pitch. His absence will be felt.

“However, we definitely have quality spinners who can create a difference for Pakistan.”

Asad Shafiq Pakistan Pakistan tour to England and Ireland

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