‘Excited to challenge myself in Pakistan,’ says Jack Leach

LONDON: Left-arm spinner Jack Leach shared his excitement for England’s historic Test tour to Pakistan, scheduled in December this year.

Leach, who was included in England’s Test squad for the Pakistan tour, announced last week, and termed the series ‘important’ not only for the two nations but also for world cricket, while he is also looking forward to having the opportunity to challenge himself.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to challenge myself out in Pakistan,” he said. “Two strong teams will be competing, so it should be a good series. To be playing back in Pakistan is really exciting, so I’m really looking forward to it.

“It’s an important series for England and Pakistan, but I also think that it’s important for world cricket. In Pakistan, you can feel how passionate the people are about the game, and to have international cricket back in the country is very important. It’s great that we’re able to get out there and play again.”

The Somerset-based spinner further opined regarding England’s unique approach in Test cricket and also expressed his desire that the side takes the approach abroad as well.

“The summer was great fun, and we got some good results,” he explained. “The way that we’re trying to go about things is exciting and it’s bringing out the best in us as a team.

“We’re looking forward to taking that abroad and to playing in the same positive way because we want to be giving the fans something exciting to watch.”

Leach then went on to comment regarding the playing conditions and pitches in Pakistan and asserted that he is trying not to presume things and also to prepare the same way, he does for any series.

“I’ve been told that the wickets are very good out there, so I think we’ll get a mixture. It can start to spin but it can be flat as well. I think you can expect to bowl quite a few overs there as a spinner, but they’ve got a great seam attack so I wouldn’t want to presume anything.

“The key will be to prepare in the same way that I would for any series and be ready for any situation.”

It is pertinent to mention that England will tour Pakistan for a three-match Test series, scheduled from December 1 to 21. Rawalpindi, Multan and Karachi will host the three matches respectively.

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