Usman Tariq has attracted attention in recent months but Liam Dawson insists England will not be sidetracked by the focus on Pakistan’s mystery spinner.
Following a 51 run win over co hosts Sri Lanka on Sunday, England cricket team know victory over Pakistan in Pallekele on Tuesday will secure a top two finish in their Super 8 group and a place in the semi finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Questions linger over England’s top order after four of the top five fell to spin at the weekend. Pakistan possess a deep pool of slow bowlers and are expected to test that vulnerability again.
Tariq boasts the best economy rate among spinners at the tournament and claimed four for 16 against Namibia last week. His unusual action, marked by a pronounced pause before release, has twice been reported and twice cleared. The 30 year old has also been involved in controversy this winter.
During the ILT20, Tom Banton appeared to question his action after being dismissed, while Cameron Green did the same in a warm up fixture before later apologising.
Despite only seven international appearances since his debut in November, Tariq has made an impression. England’s limited overs captain Harry Brook has even been seen imitating his action in practice.
Pakistan’s spin resources extend beyond Tariq, with Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha and Mohammad Nawaz also available. Dawson’s message was clear.
“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, alongside Will Jacks and Adil Rashid, shared seven wickets against Sri Lanka as the hosts were bowled out for 95 chasing 146 for nine.
England are set to play on a fresh surface in Pallekele. Whether Jacob Bethell can return to bowling after cutting his left hand remains uncertain. Dawson believes the balance is right.
“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 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.”