Pakistan spinner Yasir takes Warne's advice before England tour

Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah on Sunday admitted he has been getting advice from legendary Australian tweaker Shane Warne ahead of the Pakistan cricket team's tour of England.

Warne enjoyed great success in English conditions during his playing days and Yasir is looking to tap into a little bit of his knowledge.

"I have watched his (Warne's) videos and also had a chat with him on telephone because he has an excellent track record in English conditions," Yasir was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

"I am getting some tips from the legend and learned some key things such as how he used to slow down his pace in England among other variations."

In 2015, Warne had the chance of working with Yasir in Sharjah and he had praised the spinner then.

"He is probably the best leg-spinner in the world," Warne, who has taken 708 wickets from 145 Tests, had said.

"The way the ball comes out of his hand, it is just absolutely fantastic. It is as good a leg-break that you can possibly see."

Statistics also back up Warne's claims, with Yasir currently averaging just 10.46 with the ball and ranked as the fourth best Test bowler in the world.

However, it might be tough for the 30-year-old to straightaway hit form as he coming off a three-month ban for failing a drug test. He too expects to face a tough challenge in England.

"There would be no better place to make a successful comeback to Test cricket than England and I am looking forward to the first Test at Lord's," he said.

"I am looking forward to bowling to the English batsmen in their own backyard. It will be a big challenge but I love challenges."

The first Test between England and Pakistan will start on July 14.

--IANS

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