Cricket: Pakistan’s Gul ready for England challenge 



Pakistan’s cricketer Umar Gul

Pakistan pace spearhead Umar Gul yesterday showed readiness for the strong challenge that world number one Test team England pose in the three-Test series starting in Dubai next week.
The 27-year-old paceman, now leading the attack after Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer were banned in the 2010 spot-fixing case, said he and fellow players will be at their best against the top team.
“No doubt England is a very good team and they are number one in Tests,” said Gul of England who rose to number one in August last year. “We are also playing good cricket and are ready for any challenge they pose.”
Gul led Pakistan’s attack during their 1-1 drawn series against the West Indies, then wins over Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in a run which saw the team remain unbeaten in a Test series.
Pakistan’s last Test series loss was against England on the 2010 tour which was marred by spot-fixing scandal.
Gul said an unbeaten run has lifted the Pakistan team, who will start the first of three Tests, starting in Dubai from Tuesday, with extra confidence.
The Tests will be followed by four one-day and three Twenty20 internationals.