Umar Gul backs Pakistan to bounce back at Lord’s

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul says the team is preparing to respond strongly in the second Test against England at Lord’s after a heavy defeat in the series opener at Headingley, where the visitors lost by an innings and 103 runs.

Speaking at a press conference, Gul said the players remained upbeat despite Pakistan being dismissed for 137 in their second innings in Leeds. He said the squad had taken lessons from the opening match and was focused on improving in London.

He said preparation for the next fixture had gone well and that the players were motivated ahead of the match. Gul also stressed that Pakistan remained in the three-match series and could revive it with a win at Lord’s.

Gul linked some of the team’s difficulties at Headingley to a sharp change in conditions after Pakistan had prepared in the Caribbean. He said the bowlers encountered colder, wetter weather in Leeds and needed time to adjust.

According to Gul, the attack struggled to fully carry out its plans in those circumstances and appeared physically stiff, but he expressed hope that the bowlers would be better acclimatised for the second Test.

Pakistan’s bowlers leaked runs in the first match, while the batting unit was dismissed cheaply in both innings. Gul said both batting and bowling had to improve, but added that bowlers carried particular importance in Test cricket because dismissing the opposition twice was essential to winning matches.

At the same time, he defended the team combination selected for the opening Test. Gul said Pakistan had initially considered fielding four fast bowlers, but altered that plan after monitoring the pitch and eventually opted for three seamers and a spinner.

He said English conditions demanded control and patience, adding that Pakistan’s bowlers would need to operate consistently around the stumps and in the corridor outside off stump in the next game.

Gul also provided an update on Babar Azam, saying the Pakistan captain had looked comfortable in the nets after concerns over fitness. He said Babar batted against pace bowlers, spinners and throw-downs, and that the team was hopeful he would be available for the Lord’s Test.

When asked about the absence of fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, Gul did not offer a detailed explanation and said the matter was better addressed by the selection committee. He added that the selectors may have chosen to rest the left-arm quick, while also backing the bowlers included in the squad.

Gul further said Pakistan could draw confidence from previous results at Lord’s, where the side has enjoyed success in earlier tours. With two matches still to play after the opening defeat, he said a victory in London would keep the contest alive.

In his remarks, Gul repeatedly emphasised discipline as the key requirement for Pakistan if it is to level the series against England.

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