Shoaib Akhtar feels Pakistan can still create history at Edgbaston

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar feels Pakistan can still win the Edgbaston Test and create history. Courtesy a brilliant century from Azhar Ali, Pakistan managed to take a crucial 103 run lead in the 3rd Test but it was an inspired fightback from the English openers Alastair Cook and Alex Hales as they wiped off the lead with utmost ease and took a 17 run lead by the end of the day without the loss of a single wicket.

Shoaib feels that the Pakistani bowlers have the skill and discipline to come out triumphant in this match. He says all they need to do is to be patient and bowl in the right areas with a determined approach. He feels that Pakistan should apply pressure on England batsmen immediately from the start and keep the pressure till the fall of their last wicket. Tight bowling backed with bowling in good areas should be the mantra for Pakistan come the 4th day.

Shoaib also heaped praises on Sami Aslam and Azhar Ali for their terrific contribution. He chose Sami Aslam’s innings as the better of the two.

“Sami was excellent because he left some really tight balls and that frustrated the English bowling attack. Not only this, but he was keener on getting singles all the time to rotate the strike and don’t let England’s bowlers take any sort of advantage. This is something which Azhar did not do that well”, Shoaib remained hopeful of Pakistan’s chances in the Test match.

Pakistan came into the Test series as firm underdogs but surprised everyone with their stupendous performance in the Lord’s Test. The match marked the return of Mohammed Amir and it was a spell from Yasir Shah that turned the game upside down. After the victory, they celebrated in a unique fashion as all the team members did pushups in front of the famous Lord’s balcony.

Pakistan was unable to replicate this performance in the 2nd Test and was humiliated by 330 runs. With the series locked at 1-1 it was a crucial match for both the teams to wrest home the advantage. It will be interesting to see Pakistan’s tactics in the 4th Day as they have all to play for. England openers will be hoping to carry on their good work and take a sizeable lead to set a daunting target for Pakistan in the 2nd innings.