Former Test opener Sadiq Mohammad urges Pakistan to avoid major changes and build on confidence from the 1-1 West Indies series.
KARACHI, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Former Pakistan Test opener Sadiq Mohammad has urged the national team to avoid sweeping changes and retain a settled combination for the opening Test against England.
Sadiq believes Pakistan can carry significant confidence into the three-match series after drawing their recent two-Test series against the West Indies 1-1.
Sadiq calls for continuity
Sadiq advised Pakistan’s selectors to largely retain the batting combination used in the final Test against the West Indies.
He suggested just one change to the bowling attack, with experienced seamer Mohammad Abbas replacing one of the new-ball bowlers.
According to his preferred combination, Azan should open alongside Imam-ul-Haq, followed by Abdullah at No. 3 and Babar Azam at No. 4. Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan and Sajid Khan would then complete the batting order.
Sadiq also backed off-spinner Sajid Khan to play an important role with both bat and ball.
Pakistan can benefit from warm English weather
Sadiq believes the unusually warm conditions in England could reduce the traditional advantage enjoyed by the hosts’ seam bowlers.
He said the pitches could play more like those in Pakistan under the current weather conditions, potentially giving Pakistan’s batsmen greater confidence.
The former opener also pointed to Pakistan’s performances in the Caribbean, noting that the team had been in winning positions in both Tests against the West Indies.
Bowling first could be key
Sadiq recommended that Pakistan field first if they win the toss, arguing that the new ball could provide useful assistance from a fresh pitch.
He believes Pakistan should aim to restrict England to 225 or fewer in the first innings.
He also praised Mohammad Ali’s recent bowling performances and advised him to maintain a disciplined line around the fourth stump, limiting opportunities for England’s batsmen to score through cuts.
Sadiq wants 350-plus if Pakistan bat first
If Pakistan are asked to bat first, Sadiq said the team must show patience and aim for a total of at least 350 runs.
He stressed the importance of technically sound batting and maintaining a steady scoring rate once a batter becomes established.
He also suggested that Pakistan’s batsmen could move outside their crease when facing excessive seam movement, potentially disrupting England’s preferred line and length.
England series begins August 19
Pakistan’s three-match Test series against England begins at Leeds on August 19.
The second Test is scheduled for Lord’s from August 27, while the third and final Test will begin in Birmingham on September 9.
Sadiq believes continuity, disciplined bowling and technically strong batting will be crucial if Pakistan are to challenge England on their home turf.
