Pakistan pace spearhead Umar Gul Thursday showed readiness for the strong challenge that world number one Test team England pose in the three-Test series starting here next week. The 27-year-old paceman, now leading the attack after Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer were banned in the 2010 spot-fixing case, said he and fellow players will be at their best against the top team.
“No doubt England is a very good team and they are number one in Tests,” said Gul of England who rose to number one in August last year. “We are also playing good cricket and are ready for any challenge they pose.” Gul led Pakistan’s attack during their 1-1 drawn series against the West Indies, then wins over Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in a run which saw the team remain unbeaten in a Test series. Pakistan’s last Test series loss was against England on the 2010 tour which was marred by spot-fixing scandal.
Gul said an unbeaten run has lifted the Pakistan team, who will start the first of three Tests, starting here from Tuesday, with extra confidence. “There is no substitute to doing well and because we have done well in the last one year our morale is very high and the conditions will also help us as we are playing here for three years now,” said Gul of the United Arab Emirates conditions. Gul admitted a strong England batting line-up with mature openers in Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook will be a big challenge.
“I take every series as a challenge no matter who we play, I try my level best and since England is a top team you try to do well from inside and know that a performance against a top team is more noted and appreciated,” said Gul. “No doubt Strauss and Cook give them head start and will be a big challenege but not only the openers, their whole batting is in our sights and we need to get 20 wickets in the match to win it,” said Gul, who has 146 wickets in 40 Tests.
Gul added: “Conditions in Dubai suits reverse swing and it will also help their bowlers (James) Anderson and (Stuart) Broad but the difference will be the ability to get the reverse swing and whoever has that ability will get the siwng.” The Tests will be followed by four one-day and three Twenty20 internationals.
