Jofra Archer questions Naseem Shah’s bowling strategy in Manchester Test

England fast-bowler Jofra Archer has questioned Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah’s bowling strategy, during the ongoing first Test between the two sides in Manchester.

The Barbados-born believes that the pitch is not conducive for express fast bowling which is evident from the help it is offering to spinners, already.

“It’s not deliberate. It’s not every day you’re going to come in at 90mph,” Archer told reporters at the close of play. “I’ve seen Shah started bowling 90mph so we’ll see how he goes on later on tomorrow morning or afternoon.”

“No one is a robot, so I’ll be very, very interested to see what he can produce a bit later. This is not a wicket you’re really going to try to bend your back on. It’s spinning on day two so that says a lot,” he added.

Archer also stated that his side lacked luck after another disappointing display with the ball has left them facing a sizeable first innings deficit after day two of the first test against Pakistan on Thursday.

England have bowled well in both morning sessions of the test, but wilted badly after lunch on each occasion with wayward line and length, and some sloppy fielding, to allow the tourists to amass a highly competitive 326 in their first innings.

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Pakistan were much sharper with the ball at Old Trafford and have England, with their long tail that sees Chris Woakes come in at number seven, struggling at 92 for four on a wicket that is already showing signs of wear.

“I don’t think it went our way, a lot of balls we bowled today beat the bat or got the edges (that didn’t carry to fielders),” he said.

“Pakistan batted well and put on some pressure after lunch. But I think if it went that way in another test, we probably would have had them eight or nine down in a couple of sessions.”

Archer came in late in the innings to wrap up the Pakistan tail and finish with impressive figures of 3-59.

It was noticeably not the usual firebrand Archer though, and he conceded to bowling within himself, suggesting the wicket does not give sufficient reward for the fast bowlers.