Inzamam puts faith in spinners

Inzamam-ul-Haq will hope for scenes like this as Pakistan prepare spin-friendly tracks for England © Getty Images

Inzamam-ul-Haq, the Pakistan captain, has made it clear that spin-friendly conditions would play a decisive role in combating England's aggressive batting.

"The home team has only one advantage, the wickets you play on," Inzamam was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph. "Danish Kaneria has been our main bowler for the past year and we intend on giving him wickets which will offer assistance."

Under Inzamam and Bob Woolmer, the coach, Pakistan has often chosen Shahid Afridi as the back-up spinner. Afridi's under-rated legspin has been seen as a suitable foil to Kaneria, but with veteran Mushtaq Ahmed's name doing the rounds two conventional legspinners may take the field. "Mushtaq has plenty of experience," Inzamam said. "I am not in favour of blooding anyone in a series of such pressure."

Pakistan has not played international cricket since June, a fact Inzamam rues. "A lay-off for four to five months is unthinkable nowadays. I think England start as favourites. We must play positively to dent their confidence." He also stressed the importance of good teamwork. "All eleven have to contribute; one or two players will not be able to swing it for us."

The relationship between Inzamam and Shoaib Akhtar, the fast bowler, has been publicly debated ever since Inzamam suggested that Akhtar had feigned a wrist injury to avoid bowling against India 18 months ago. Inzamam was keen to challenge any rumours of a rift between the two. "Let me clarify that I don't have a problem with Shoaib. If he's fit, it's in my interest to have him in the side." Both players were part of the World XI tour to Australia this month, though Shoaib was not selected for the Super Test in Sydney. "He has to return home and play the practice first-class matches," Inzamam added.