Yasir Shah keen to leave an impact in unfavourable New Zealand conditions

Pakistan Test leg-spinner Yasir Shah is keen to leave an impact in the two-match Test series against New Zealand, starting from December 26 in Mount Maunganui.

While speaking exclusively to Express News, the spinner said he is hoping to register a memorable performance on New Zealand shores in the upcoming series.

“New Zealand pitches are usually more favourable to pacers. Spinners don’t get much opportunity, however a spinner can succeed in any conditions if he bowls at a good line and length. If given an opportunity, I will try my best to make use of the conditions and provide support to the pacers,” said Yasir.

“Training in Queenstown helped me in getting back in rhythm. I took five wickets in the four-day match against New Zealand A, which also improved my bowling form. I am determined to leave an impact in the series,” he added.

In December 2019, Yasir got his name on the Adelaide Oval honours board for scoring a Test hundred at the ground, after his resilient 113-run knock in the first innings of the second Test against Australia.

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The 34-year-old stated that he was concentrating on his bowling and batting while expressing hope of better performances in the future.

“My main job is to bowl well and provide support to pacers, especially during the fourth and fifth day of the Test match. However, if required, I will also try to contribute to the team’s total with my batting,” he said.

All-rounder Shadab Khan has been ruled out of the first Test against New Zealand due to a thigh injury, following which the team management has included left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar as a reinforcement. Zafar has joined the Test side from Hamilton where he was preparing with the Pakistan Shaheens for Sunday’s T20 match against the Northern Knights.

“I have given some tips to Zafar Gohar during net practice regarding how to use the conditions if he is handed a Test debut in the series. It is important for a spinner to bowl wicket to wicket and also make use of variations inorder to trouble the batsmen,” he concluded.