Paul Collingwood upbeat to take Pakistani trio head-on
Paul Collingwood is confident that his team will come out on top against the challenges being posed by Pakistan’s pace trio of Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Aamer and Umar Gul. The three were instrumental in dismantling the Australian batting line-up in the Headingley Test when they bowled the kangaroos out for a paltry 88 runs in the first innings at Leeds. However, Collingwood believes that his team has the required strength and depth to withstand the threat.
According to newly appointed captain Salman Butt, Pakistan has the best opening bowling pair in the world in the form of Aamer and Asif. With steady assistance from Umar Gul and Danish Kaneria, Pakistan’s bowling is one of potent force of the world. But, Collingwood is adamant that despite their credentials, they are not invincible. While talking to media, he said, “I don't want to go overboard on 'these guys are the best thing since sliced bread' - or Wasim Akram, or this, that and the other. If we can get through those periods where it can be really tricky, I think we can get on top of them.”
Collingwood is confident that if his side could withstand the duo of Steyn and Morkel in South Africa, then his batsmen could face any set of bowlers in the world. He said, “I think they have got a lot of talent. But to say they're the number one bowling attack in the world I would say was over the mark. They have come up in conditions recently where it's done a fair bit. They're a good outfit. Certainly, the bowling looks very strong.”
Pakistan’s bowling came into the limelight when they bowled Australia for 88 in the first innings of the Headingley Test. With conditions supporting seam movement and bounce, some experts would argue that if Ponting would have decided to bowl first, then Australia’s bowlers would have produced the same result. Collingwood also keeps the same point of view. He said, “I guess if they [Australia] got those same conditions on the first day they would have caused a lot of problems. Pakistan has got skill, and we're going to have to be very careful. But I still think we can handle what they're going to throw at us.”
England comes to this series with a remarkable run of victories behind them. A series win against Pakistan would complete their preparation for the Ashes’ defence in Australia. Regarding this, Collingwood is quite optimistic. “Everybody in the team is very confident that we can do it this time round,” Collingwood said. “That's genuine confidence. We've had a good 18 months. We've had the building blocks, continued to grow and get things right. I think we're ready. It really has come at a time when we can say we'll be as ready as we can ever be. We've just got to make sure in these next two months we continue in that same manner.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan speedster Umar Gul is confident about his chance against England. Umar Gul picked eight wickets in the recently concluded Headingley Test who also hit the winning runs to record Pakistan’s first Test victory against Australia in the last 15 years. Talking about the upcoming Test, Umar Gul said, “I feel quite fit as I am back to best rhythm. I am looking forward to playing an important role for my country here in the series against England. I was out of match practice before the start of English tour and after playing a few matches here, I feel more comfortable and confident to deliver to the best of my abilities.”
Pakistan fast bowlers have clearly impressed the entire cricketing world from their recent performance but they will be test in the four match test series against England. They would need to produce some excellent bowling performance against the visitors if they want to be considered as the best bowling attack in the world. Their reputation is at stake and all eyes are glued to the trio.
Tags: