“Yasir’s injury is concerning and could be a jolt”, skipper Misbah-ul-Haq told a press conference. “We are hoping that he will be all right by tomorrow”.
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However, pakistan have drafted in Zafar Gohar as emergency cover, a 20-year-old left-arm spinner who has played just eight first-class games for 37 wickets at 21.27.
When they met in the United Arab Emirates in 2012, Pakistan annihilated the then world number one Test team 3-0, thanks to spinners Saeed Ajmal (24 wickets) and Abdul Rehman (19 wickets).
England have had just two two-day warm-up matches against Pakistan A to acclimatise and attune themselves to the extreme heat and arid pitches here. Azhar Ali – has already been ruled out with a foot injury.
In the batting line-up he will have to rely on Younis Khan and Sarfraz Ahmed to come good.
The 29-year spinner, seen as match-winner for Pakistan, stumbled while bowling in the nets on Monday and after assessment early Tuesday was left out.
In the head-to-head record of 22 Test series so far, England have won nine and Pakistan seven with the remaining six ending in draws.
Within an hour, though, Pakistan were reportedly more optimistic that Yasir may recover in time – and are expected to make a late call on his readiness on Tuesday morning. “We can not say anything at the moment”, Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq said. But, with the talent and the character of the dressing-room, I’m very confident in those guys. The Pakistan-England series is anticipated to be a closely fought one and thus it will be nothing short of entertainment.
“Of course, it is challenging to play the longer forms but I have not missed any first class season and being a professional I know how to cut down that pressure”, said Malik. “As always, the day before a big series we’re concentrating on matters which are important to us”.
“Clearly, he’s a fantastic bowler who not many of us have faced”.
“He’s had a good start to his Test career”, said Cook of Yasir.
Anderson also said that they will see if they can have the option of Steven Finn in the first test, who bowled very well in the warm-up game.
“It’s a bitter blow for him”, Cook added.
“Over the last 12 months, he has made huge strides back to where we want him to be”.
“Pakistan have a clear edge over England simply due to their quality spin attack”.
The identity of Cook’s opening partner has been a vexed question ever since Andrew Strauss’ retirement more than three years ago.
On the other hand, spinner Adil Rashid is making his Test debut for England.
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Hello and welcome to India.com’s live score updates of Pakistan vs England 1st Test at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
