Pakistan could play two spinners in Old Trafford Test, says Misbah-ul-Haq

The series is due to begin in Manchester on Wednesday and the tourists have named three spinners - Yasir Shah, Shadab Khan and Kashif Bhatti - in their extended 20-man squad for the campaign

Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq has not ruled out playing two spinners in the first Test against England at Emirates Old Trafford.

The series is due to begin in Manchester on Wednesday and the tourists have named three spinners - Yasir Shah, Shadab Khan and Kashif Bhatti - in their extended 20-man squad for the campaign.

That group will be whittled down to 16 on Tuesday, and Misbah has hinted that his side could look to exploit the traditional turn of the Old Trafford playing surface as they look to make an early impression on the series.

"We will keep an eye on the pitch and the weather conditions, today and tomorrow, before taking a decision on whether to play two spinners or not," said Misbah. "It is a possibility and an encouraging sign for us.

"The pitch and weather conditions might be favouring us at the moment but you still have to execute your plans properly to win," he added.

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Pakistan have already spent more than a month in England, first at New Road in Worcester and then at Derbyshire's Incora County Ground prior to entering the Old Trafford bio-secure bubble over the weekend.

Despite the unusual nature of the tour, Misbah believes his players are well set for the three-match Test series.

"Overall, I’m satisfied with the team’s preparations. We had to start from zero after being away from cricket for a period of three months [due to Covid-19]," he said.

"The team is in good shape and we are hopeful about putting up a good show in the upcoming series.

"When you play after a long gap there is bound to be some sort of nervousness but that is natural. As soon as the players step on the field, it will go away.

"The players are fresh and anxiously waiting for the series to begin."

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