Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah has revealed about his interactions with the iconic Shane Warne and is eager to follow in the Australian’s footsteps during the upcoming England tour. Speaking to PTI, the 30-year old claimed that he was learning a lot from watching the stalwart’s old videos.
Yasir stated, “I have watched his (Warne’s) videos and also had a chat with him on telephone because he has an excellent track record in English conditions. I am getting some tips from the legend and learned some key things such as how he used to slow down his pace in England among other variations.”
Since making his Test debut against Australia at the UAE in 2014, Shah has cemented himself as one of the world’s leading spinners in the traditional format and even evoked comparisons with the flamboyant Warne.
The Aussie had briefly worked with him in the middle of Pakistan’s 2015 Test series against England in Sharjah and called Shah as the best leg-spinner in the world by referring to his impressive bag of tricks.
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Not surprisingly, he was quite captivated by the showman’s vast knowledge of the game. Yasir felt, "I know Pakistan has produced some great leg-spinners. But, Warne has impressed me with his excellent record in England. I am looking forward to meeting him again.“
His words have merit with Warne being the highest wicket-taker in Tests against England away from home. With 129 scalps from 22 matches at an average of 21.94, no body has tormented the English like him.
After a 3-month ban for failing a drug test, Shah was confident of making a successful return to international cricket. He believed, “There would be no better place to make a successful comeback to Test cricket than England and I am looking forward to the first Test at Lords.”
Not content with making a mark in the longest format, the wrist-spinner was keen to prove himself in colored clothing as well. However, he acknowledged that the trip to England would be a stern test of his adaptability.
Shah declared, “And I am looking forward to bowling to the English batsmen in their own backyard. It will be a big challenge but I love challenges.”
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