Yasir fit to torment England again

Misbah-ul-Haq has admitted it was a worrying moment to see his star spinner, Yasir Shah, poleaxed in the nets when he took a blow on the shoulder on Wednesday.

Yasir was sent for a precautionary scan but Misbah said he would be “okay” for a match where he is expected to have another significant impact on a ground with a history of helping spinners.

He is the fulcrum of Pakistan’s attack, allowing them to operate with four frontline bowlers. The one Test he has missed since his debut was against England in Abu Dhabi last year, after he suffered a back spasm. England were able to score 598 for 9 and almost stole a victory on the final day. Yasir may not have made a major difference on what was a dead pitch for four days and two sessions, but Pakistan’s attack was far less daunting without him.

Since Yasir returned, Pakistan have won three consecutive Tests against England – at Dubai, Sharjah and Lord’s – during which he has taken 25 wickets.

Seven of the last 12 five-wicket hauls in Tests at Old Trafford have been taken by spinners and although that period overlaps the rotation of the square the surface has retained his characteristics of offering bounce and turn.

However, even buoyed by their success at Lord’s, Misbah was eager to stress how the players start with a blank sheet of paper in this match, despite Yasir riding on the crest of a wave following his 10-wicket haul which propelled him to No. 1 in the world.

“It doesn’t matter which ground we play on,” Misbah said. “If a bowler is really good he can produce results anywhere. He bowled beautifully at Lord’s but everyone will need to bowl well again, not just Yasir. All four need to step up.”

How England respond to the challenge …

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