Thursday, September 9, 2010

England had better watch out as, according to Salman Butt, Pakistan has the best pace pair in the world.

The new skipper has only been in charge for one Test, but already there seems to have been a complete change of atmosphere in the camp.

The tourists beat Australia for the first time in 15 years last week to draw the series 1-1. Thanks to that result they head into the four-Test series against England on a high and full of confidence. And for Butt that’s all down to new-ball pair, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer. The deadly duo shared 22 wickets in the two matches against the Baggy Greens, with young gun Aamer drawing comparisons to the Pakistan great Wasim Akram. And Butt is certain they can do some damage against England at Trent Bridge when play gets underway today.

“The way Mohammad Aamer, Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul bowled was brilliant,” Butt said.

“Without any doubt I can say that Aamer and Asif are the best pair in the world at the moment and Gul with the old ball is the most dangerous because he bowls the best reverse swing that I’ve played in recent times.

“I am a lucky person to have such an armoury and they are Pakistan’s trump card in Pakistan’s successes in the recent past and for a long time in the future.” And it’s not just the bowling attack that has Butt thinking his side are on the cusp of a new era.

While the bowlers took all the plaudits against the Aussies, the opener was also full of praise for Azhar Ali. Coming in at No.3, the 25-year-old looked good for his 51 during the tense run chase last week at Headingley, and Butt claims he’s one for the future.

“He is a wonderful prospect,” Butt said. “He plays his cricket in his limits. He knows his shots, his scoring areas. In the four innings so far, three times he got out to a very good ball which any good batsman might have found hard to negotiate as well.”