RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s debutant leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood commented on his unwanted record on his Test debut and asserted to have given his best in the ongoing Rawalpindi Test against England.
On a question regarding the legacy of Pakistan leg-spinners like Abdul Qadir and Mushtaq and his dismal Test debut in which he registered the worst bowling figure of four for 235 in 35 overs, Zahid claimed to have given his best on the field.
“Look, we play domestic cricket so that we can play for Pakistan one day. So, from my end, I strived to the fullest and bowled,” said Zahid.
“No doubt they played well but it was my first match and I tried my best,” he added.
The leg-spinner then responded to a question regarding the unresponsive nature of the pitch and emphasized as a professional he is determined to prove himself regardless of the conditions.
“Obviously the wicket is good, there is no doubt about that but regardless of how the pitch is, as a bowler it is our responsibility to prove ourselves and we tried to do the same,” said Zahid.
The debutant then went on to predict the nature of the pitch in the last two days by sharing that it has already started to act better than the first day.
“Definitely, it was different to that on the first day as it was offering something. So, I think, on the fourth or fifth day it would help the spinners,” he concluded.
It is pertinent to mention that England finished their first record-breaking first innings against Pakistan on a mammoth 657 before Pakistan openers Imam-ul-Haq (90) and Abdullah Shafique (89) bolstered the hosts to a fighting start.
The duo put on an unbeaten 181-run partnership before the stumps on Day 2 to cut Pakistan’s deficit to 476 runs.
