England all-rounder Liam Dawson has played down the growing hype around Pakistan’s mystery spinner Usman Tariq, insisting his side will prepare for the entire opposition rather than be distracted by one name ahead of their crucial T20 World Cup Super 8 clash.
Tariq has set tongues wagging in recent months with his unorthodox action and sharp variations, but Dawson made it clear that England’s focus remains on nullifying Pakistan as a unit when the two sides meet in Pallekele on Tuesday.
England boosted their semi-final hopes with a commanding 51-run victory over Sri Lanka on Sunday. Another win would guarantee them a top-two finish in their Super 8 group and secure a place in the last four.
However, concerns linger over England’s top-order batting after four of their top five fell to spin at the weekend. Pakistan’s formidable battery of slow bowlers could present an even sterner examination.
Tariq has already courted controversy. During the ILT20, Tom Banton appeared to suggest the spinner was throwing after being dismissed by him. Australia’s Cameron Green made a similar insinuation during a warm-up match against Pakistan before later apologising.
Still relatively inexperienced, Tariq has made just seven international appearances since his debut in November. Yet his impact has been significant enough for England’s limited-overs captain, Harry Brook, to mimic his bowling action in the nets in preparation.
Pakistan’s spin arsenal extends well beyond Tariq. Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha and Mohammad Nawaz offer variety and depth, meaning England’s homework must be comprehensive.
“It’s not all about Tariq,” Dawson said. “They’re a very good team with some dangerous players and Tariq’s obviously a very good bowler.
“But we’re not going to just look at him. We’ll look at the whole team and see how we can nullify them.”
Dawson, along with fellow spinners Will Jacks and Adil Rashid, shared seven wickets against Sri Lanka as the co-hosts were bundled out for 95 in response to what had appeared a modest 146 for nine. The collective effort underlined England’s own spin strength heading into the Pakistan encounter.
England will play on a fresh pitch in Pallekele, and Dawson believes the side has the right balance in their attack. A final decision is still pending on whether Jacob Bethell can bowl after suffering a cut on his left hand.
“We’re all very different. Out of the three or four of us I’m probably more the defensive spinner in this and I know that’s my role and I’m just trying to be consistent for the captain,” Dawson added.
“Adil can use all his tricks and he comes on for us to get the wickets and get us back in games or put us ahead in games.
“Jacks has been brilliant, he’s exploited conditions here very, very well, with the overspin he gets. So we’re all very different and hopefully we can continue.
“We’re all very experienced. If you look at the amount of cricket that me and Adil have played, even Jacks as well, it’s probably only with Beth that’s probably got a little bit less experience.
“But there’s a lot of trust in the guys that go out there and try and execute what you want to try and do.”
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