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Fletcher plays down spin threat

30/10/2005

Duncan Fletcher has played down concerns that England's batsmen will struggle against spin bowling during the tour of Pakistan.

A Nasser Hussain-led England team won the series in Pakistan 1-0, in 2000, after taking the final Test in Karachi.

Fletcher believes his side will take inspiration from that triumph, as well as from the Ashes victory.

"Coming here after winning the Ashes is a big advantage," Fletcher admitted.

"To be honest, we can't get the Ashes win out of the team's scheme and at the end of the day it should give us confidence and self-belief we can beat Pakistan."

The first Test match will be staged in Multan on November 12th and leg-spinners Mushtaq Ahmed Danish Kaneria have both been included in the home side's squad.

However Fletcher has played down the danger of Pakistan's spin bowlers to England's chances of winning the series.

"I am very confident that our batsmen can handle the spinners. Based on the fact that they played Shane Warne better in the Ashes and we saw some of the world's best players struggle against spin in the World XI match," said the Zimbabwean coach.

"Our batters have experience of batting against a quality spinner like Warne and they can handle it pretty well."

Fletcher added that England are well prepared for any of the conditions they may face during the tour.

"It seems they want spin wickets as well but either way we are covered to handle spin and pace," he claimed.

"And if the wickets are dry then the reverse swing comes into play. We have covered our bases well which we didn't have before."

England's tour begins on Monday with a three-day Test match against a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) patrons' XI.

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