New Delhi: Pakistan spinner Sajid Khan made a remarkable comeback to the test side in the recent triumphant series against England on home soil. After going down in Multan on the flat surface, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made some bold calls, with changing the pitch, a spin-friendly surface was atop. This paved way for the inclusion of spin specialist bowlers as Sajid and left-arm spinner Noman Ali were roped in for the second and third Tests.
The duo accounted for 39 of the 40 English wickets in the last two Tests as Pakistan made a tremendous turnaround in the three-match series to win 2-1. Sajid claimed 19 wickets across four innings at an average of 21.11 with the best figures of 7 for 111 in the second Test in Multan. He was awarded player of the series for his exceptional performance after Pakistan routed England by nine wickets in Rawalpindi.
During the post-match press-conference in Rawalpindi, a reporter asked the 31-year-old about scaring England batters with his wily turns.
“Maine to kisi ko nahi daraya. Aap log kehte ho ki daraya hai. Allah ne look aisi di hai ki main hansta bhi hun to log darr jaate hain (I didn’t scare anyone, but you people keep saying this. God has given me such a look that even if I laugh, people get scared),” Sajid responded in a hilarious manner.
“Thankful to god for the series win. There was no pressure as such. I was making a comeback, but there were people who backed me,” Sajid added.
Pakistan won first Test series at home in three years
Pakistan’s Test series win against England has done wonders in the country as it was their first home Test series win after they last defeated South Africa in 2021 (by 2-0). Thereafter, they lost series to Australia in 2022 (1-0), England in 2022 (3-0), and Bangladesh in 2024 (2-0). They played winless draw series against New Zealand in 2022-23.
