Former cricketer Michael Vaughan believes Pakistan have the ability to surprise England in their own backyard, in the upcoming three-match Test Series.

While speaking on Cricbuzz YouTube channel, Vaughan said that the Men in Green are likely to be a tougher challenge to the hosts than the Windies.

“From an England perspective, it is a good step up. I am not disregarding the West Indies at all, but Pakistan is a better Test match team than the West Indies. So I am really looking forward to that series. It should be a ripper. Pakistan could come here and shock the England team if the English side play like they did in the first Test against West Indies at Southampton,” said Vaughan.

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The 45-year-old also believes that Pakistan would be relying on their Test captain Azhar Ali and top order batsman Babar Azam to put competitive totals on the board.

“Pakistan is a wonderful team. They have the got skill levels with the ball in hand. Babar Azam and Azhar are two right-hand batsmen of high quality, who know how to play in England conditions. If Pakistan bats first and I am sure that is their plan and get scores on the board, they will really challenge this England side,” he said.

Old Trafford, in Manchester, will host the first Test of the series starting on Wednesday August 5. The final two Tests will be played at the Rose Bowl, Southampton, from Thursday, August 13 and Friday, August 21.