Wahab Riaz Credits Pakistan Coach Waqar Younis for Mauling England
Wahab Riaz was Man of the Match in the Dubai Test. He credited Waqar Younis' plan that helped Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Wahab Riaz, who has instilled fire into Pakistan's bowling attack, credited coach Waqar Younis for helping him execute a plan to destroy England in the Dubai Test. (Wahab Riaz Charged With Ball Tampering by British Media)
Pakistan overcame belligerent resistance from England's tail-enders to win the second Test by 178 runs on Monday after bowling out Alastair Cook's men for 312 with just 6.3 overs remaining. (Alastair Cook Laments Another Bitter Finale for England)
Victory put Pakistan 1-0 up in the three-game series and maintains their record of never having lost a series in their adopted home of the United Arab Emirates. "I always give my best. Just bowled according to the coach's plan during the first innings", said Wahab. (Pakistan Overcome England's Resistance to go 1-0 Up)
Wahab was deservedly man-of-the-match for his match-defining first-innings figures of 4 for 66. Wahab accounted for Joe Root (88), Ben Stokes (4) and Jos Buttler (0) -- all caught behind -- on the third morning. The left-arm pacer extracted reverse-swing and bowled with blistering pace throughout the Test.
Wahab said that he was happy about his performance. "I got the wickets of important players including Joe Root and it really helped my team", he said. "It's not just about this Test. I always try to give my best", the pacer added.
England were 206 for three on the third morning in Dubai but surrendered their last seven wickets for 36 as paceman Wahab ran riot.
"It is a real frustration," said England captain Alastair Cook. "It happens too often. Full credit to Riaz, he bowled really well, 90mph, reverse swinging, from different angles, with some short stuff thrown in."