Umar Gul Points to Cold Weather Behind Pakistan’s Headingley Struggles

Umar Gul is an incredibly mild-mannered man, especially when compared to other Pakistani fast bowlers, yet even he was frustrated. Pakistan’s defeat at Headingley under cool, dark skies may have been due in large part to the ineffectiveness of their quick bowlers, as well as the batters’ general reluctance to spend any more time than strictly necessary in the middle.

Gul had a bone to pick with the English weather, despite Pakistan’s weak performance being thoroughly scrutinised.

“When we came here from Wisconsin, the weather was hot,” Gul remarked at Lords on Tuesday. “It was a hot summer.” We were not expecting it to be so cold. Even during the practice match in Croydon, the temperature was sweltering.

When we arrived in Headingley, things were quite different. It rained and the temperature was frigid. Obviously, you have to spend some time in that freezing weather.

That’s why we didn’t bowl well, and we couldn’t execute because of the conditions. But I hope they adapt to the weather and do well in the upcoming game.”

Perhaps it tells something about the health of Pakistan cricket that they appeared to be putting more reliance on weather forecasts in the UK than they have previously been able to withstand.

While the weather did follow its promise during the aptly called warm-up game in Beckenham, Gul claimed Pakistan appeared to be caught off guard when things began to shift. Trusting that the scorching weather in the south of England would persist while the tourists took the bus up to Yorkshire felt like a shaky foundation to build a game plan on, and one that quickly unravelled.

Gul suggested that the difficulty of acclimatisation may have contributed to the fast bowlers’ relative ineffectiveness lack the first Test, in which England needed to bat only once and score 409 runs. “Because of the [temperature shift], I thought the bowlers were stiff. You need to get acclimated to the weather.

“I hope they’ll be fully prepared for the next game.”In the days running up to the Test, we debated using four seamers. But on the day before the match, the pitch had shifted significantly, and playing a spinner proved to be a wise move. But when you come here, you’ll need time.”

Gul may be justified in his frustration with everything that is beyond his control.

He liked his time in England, both internationally and on the county circuit, and could have joined Pakistan’s current pace attack at almost any point in his career. He can do little to help them become faster bowlers, and while he praised Ubaid Shah as a future prospect, his potential participation would certainly sacrifice some intelligence for a yard of more pace.

He referred to Shaheen Afridi as “Pakistan’s best bowler” before deflecting the question to the selection committee.Perhaps they decided it was best to let him relax. He is our top bowler, but our other bowlers are also performing well.

Especially Ubaid Shah, he performed admirably, and we expect huge things from him in the future. Abbas and Mohammad Ali were playing county cricket, which gave us an edge because they were available here. But I believe the selecting committee can provide a better response concerning Shaheen.”

If there is one thing that rivals the unpredictable nature of the English weather, it is the swiftly shifting mood of any Pakistani selection committee. It’s scarcely a fair world, therefore, for a gentle-spirited man like Umar Gul to have to cope with both at once.