Akram believes Saqlain’s presence will ‘make a difference’ for England

The Worcestershire all-rounder found himself thrust into the role of England’s frontline spinner following the retirement of Graeme Swann during England’s 5-0 Ashes thrashing in Australia in 2013/14. In just 13 matches, he has taken 86 wickets at an average of just 23 apiece.

England lost the first Test by 75 runs and will now take on the visitors in the second of the four Tests from Friday (July 22).

Alastair Cook talks us through the team selection for England’s Second Test with Pakistan. The matchwinning skills in Pakistan’s first-choice attack – injuries would test their depth – mean that such a swing in fortunes is more unlikely. “Pakistan cricket has not had it easy in the last six years with teams also refusing to play in Pakistan because of the security issues”, he said.

The decision will allow Rashid, who made all of his three Test appearances till date in the UAE, to make his home debut in the longest-format of the game.

“The medical report was 50-50, so he was left out”. After a mediocre series against Sri Lanka in early summer, this is the real deal.

Ali would not be the first spinner who performs better when he has some runs to play with which is why England are keen to pack their line-up with batsmen. This match also saw England paceman Chris Woakes take Test-best match figures of 11 for 102. He is up there with the greats.

‘One thing you can’t ever fault from the lads is the effort, ‘ he said.

While heaping praise on Yasir, Akram said the talismanic leggie is a great addition to Pakistan’s bowling attack and that the hosts would surely be wary of him. “It’s a match between ball and bat, sometimes you win it, sometimes it’s the ball”.

“Youve got to use the knowledge of the people youre lucky enough to have come in and work with you, ” said Stokes.

Cook admitted that the confidence of the England camp was “dented” after Lord’s but the return of Anderson and Stokes looks the ideal antidote to any flagging morale.

Anderson is due to return on his Lancashire home ground amid suggestions that Cook and coach Trevor Bayliss were happy to accept his assurances that he was fit for Lord’s, only for the pair to be over-ruled by the selectors. “There is a bigger challenge for us in the coming games”.

“Adil got five wickets in the first Test (there), so we respect whoever is playing”. Failure to deal with pressure is at the cause, as the poor shots of Root, Ali and Alex Hales at the final day at Lord’s showed, and sooner or later other players have to step up to the mark.

“It’s something I did need, not only to get used to bowling in match situations because you can never replicate that bowling in the nets, but it’s also a massive confidence boost as well”, Stokes concluded.