Shaun Tait Praises Pakistan’s Bowling Attack Ahead of England Rematch

Speaking to PCB Digital, Tait said Pakistan’s bowlers had made an encouraging start against two quality opponents, particularly against England’s formidable batting line-up.

Pakistan opened their campaign with a 37-run win over Sri Lanka before beating England by 87 runs, with both matches played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

“The bowling has been really encouraging so far. It is a great way to start the series against two quality teams with some very good players,” Tait said.

He added that Pakistan’s pace and spin departments were complementing each other effectively.

“England have a formidable batting line-up, so to bowl the way we did against them was really pleasing. We have a nice balance between pace and spin and both departments are complementing each other really well,” he said.

Tait also welcomed the opportunity to work again with familiar members of Pakistan’s fast-bowling group, including Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf.

Domestic cricket key to fast-bowling preparation

Tait credited domestic cricket with helping Pakistan’s fast bowlers prepare for international assignments by building their workloads before major series.

He said playing one or two domestic matches before an international campaign allowed bowlers to gain match practice, build rhythm and then recover ahead of the main competition.

However, he acknowledged that balancing preparation with rest remained important, adding that workload management would be crucial as the tri-series progressed.

Tait praises Hesson’s workload management

The bowling coach also praised head coach Mike Hesson for ensuring players received sufficient time to rest and recover between matches.

Tait said recovery should be considered over the longer term rather than simply in relation to the next fixture, as adequate rest could help players maintain their physical and mental freshness throughout a demanding international schedule.

“A day off today is not necessarily about tomorrow; it is about how a player feels in two weeks or even two months,” he said.

Pakistan prepare for England rematch in Lahore

Pakistan have moved to Lahore after completing their opening two matches in Rawalpindi. According to the supplied schedule, the team will face England again on Sunday, October 25.

Tait acknowledged the challenge posed by England, describing them as one of the strongest sides in white-ball cricket. He said Pakistan had demonstrated in Rawalpindi that their bowlers could trouble strong opponents in home conditions.

The coach expects the team to adapt its plans to Lahore’s playing conditions without making unnecessary changes to its overall approach.

“The pitch here in Lahore will be different from Rawalpindi, although I have not had a chance to look at it yet. We do not want to put too much emphasis on the conditions,” he said.

Tait added that Pakistan’s bowlers had the experience needed to adjust their strategies while remaining focused on executing their roles as a unit.

Tait hopes fast bowlers will excite Lahore crowds

Tait also expressed hope that Pakistan would receive strong support from spectators in Lahore. He said entertaining, competitive cricket was the best way to attract fans and added that he wanted the fast-bowling group to bring renewed excitement to the attack.

He expressed confidence in the squad’s pace resources and their ability to make an impact as the tournament continued.

Arafat Minhas earns praise

Tait reserved special praise for young all-rounder Arafat Minhas, who contributed with bat and ball in Pakistan’s victory over England.

He described Minhas as a product of the HBL Pakistan Super League, saying the youngster had shown promise in the competition before carrying his confidence into international cricket.

Tait said Minhas was repaying the selectors’ faith through his performances and highlighted his ability to contribute in all three departments.

“He is showing his worth and repaying the faith the selectors have placed in him, which is all you can ask for from a young player,” he said.

The coach also praised Minhas’s confidence and leadership qualities, expressing hope that the young all-rounder would continue developing as his international career progressed.

Pakistan will aim to maintain their winning momentum against England in Lahore, with Tait’s bowling unit looking to preserve its balance, manage workloads and adapt to the new conditions.