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Sajid Khan Reveals How Pakistan Used Urdu To Fool English Players In Rawalpindi Test

Jatin

Sajid Khan used Urdu to trick England spinners [Source: @RealWaqarAfridi/x.com]Sajid Khan used Urdu to trick England spinners [Source: @RealWaqarAfridi/x.com]

Pakistan's in-form offspinner Sajid Khan is not only adept at spinning the ball but also is a master at spinning tales that make the opposition unsettled. His antics on the field often include moustache twirling and thigh thumping, both of which have become his trademarks.

However, in the ongoing Rawalpindi Test against England, Sajid found a different way to fluster the English spinners which was by using language as a weapon. Amidst all the high-voltage action, Sajid outsmarted the English bowlers and left them both literally and metaphorically stumped.

Sajid and Saud’s Secret Plan To Outfox England Spinners

As Saud Shakeel flicked Shoaib Bashir for a single on the fourth ball of the 86th over, the duo came together at the crease. With the stump mic nearby, the duo spoke loudly in Urdu, which seemed to be a well-thought move. According to Sajid, the goal was not just to plan but to misguide England’s spinning pair, Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir, who know Urdu.

"We were only doing that [speaking loudly in Urdu] to deceive the bowlers. Rehan and Shoaib understand Urdu, so to fool them, we wanted them to hear we were only looking for the single. When we did that, they brought the field up and the bowlers flighted it. Saud told me once they do, no half measures: just go for the big shot as hard as you can," admitted Sajid with a grin.



Sajid Unleashes the Fireworks

While the England tweakers thought they had Sajid Khan under control, he proved them wrong in the next over. Trying to outplay Sajid, Bashir ended up giving away 19 runs, as the Pakistan spinner went big and smashed two sixes and a boundary over the midwicket region.

The fielders could only watch in shock as the ball soared over them. In the following over, Rehan spread out the field to cut off Sajid’s scoring options but it was too little, too late. Sajid once again cleared the boundary and pushed Pakistan’s lead further, putting England deeper into trouble.

Rehan’s Response: “I Wasn’t Fooled”

On the contrary, Rehan Ahmed didn’t buy Sajid’s claim of getting fooled. 

“He didn’t fool me at all; he just said it for the media,” Rehan chuckled. “I didn’t even hear what he was saying. I knew he was going to try and scoop me, but it didn’t really work. He hit well, but he didn’t fool me or Bash.”

Meanwhile, Sajid's contribution of 48* along with Shakeel's 134 helped Pakistan take a considerable 77 run lead. England went into Stumps on Day 2 at 24/3 with Nomal Ali picking two and Sajid adding one wicket to his tally.