Former pacer urges England to seize opportunity against struggling Pakistan

Broad noted that Pakistan's recent struggles could provide England with a crucial opportunity

PHOTO: AFP

England’s cricket team is set to embark on a challenging tour of Pakistan, bolstered by the memory of their historic 3-0 series victory in 2022. The aggressive style introduced by coach Brendon McCullum was instrumental in that triumph, allowing players like Harry Brook and Rehan Ahmed to shine under the subcontinental sun.

Despite a recent struggle against India in similar conditions, former England legend Stuart Broad remains optimistic about the team's ability to adapt and thrive.

"I think the style will work in Pakistan, for sure," said Broad, who boasts an impressive 604 Test wickets. Currently collaborating with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), Broad is also promoting the launch of Inside Lord’s, a new digital platform set to offer cricket fans exclusive content and benefits starting today.

Inside Lord’s will provide fans with unique access to the iconic cricket ground, including priority international match tickets, discounts, and online coaching masterclasses.

Reflecting on England’s successful tour in 2022, Broad expressed confidence in the batting group’s proficiency against spin: “It was a great tour to Pakistan in 2022, all the players really enjoyed it and ultimately, England’s batting group are wonderful players of spin.

“I think they’re really positive and aggressive, they can find the boundary and don’t get tied down by spin.

“England will have to play that fast-paced cricket to force results over there, because you generally do need five days to make something happen.”

Broad emphasized the importance of maintaining a fast-paced approach to cricket, especially in the five-day Test format, which is often required to force results. However, he noted that Pakistan's recent struggles could provide England with a crucial opportunity.

“Pakistan have not been playing the best cricket,” said Broad. “They’ve been struggling, so England should see that as a positive and go there trying to apply pressure to that team as soon as they possibly can.

“But we always know Pakistan, they’ve got world class talent and players that can win a game on their own. It won’t be an easy challenge.

“The surfaces (in Pakistan) were a bit slower and turned but in their recent series, they’ve had a bit of green grass on, actually, and carried through a bit more. I don’t know which way Pakistan will lean on their pitches – they might leave a bit of grass on, seeing an inexperienced bowling group from England.”

Broad is cautious, acknowledging Pakistan's rich talent pool that includes players capable of turning matches single-handedly. With Chris Woakes leading an inexperienced bowling attack consisting of Matthew Potts, Olly Stone, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse, England will need to remain vigilant. Mark Wood is sidelined due to injury, and skipper Ben Stokes is still regaining fitness.

“The surfaces in Pakistan were a bit slower and turned during our last tour, but they’ve had some green grass in their recent series, which offered more carry. I’m unsure which way Pakistan will lean with their pitches, but they might leave some grass on, knowing England has a less experienced bowling group,” he added.

Despite mixed results with England's aggressive strategy, Broad is optimistic about the team’s progress.

“There has been a changeover of personnel, so it’ll take a bit of time to embed what the style is into those players, but a lot of them have just settled in fantastically,” said Broad. “Jamie Smith, for example, has been brought in to do that role, to accelerate when we lose wickets, and he’s done it wonderfully throughout the summer.

As the England team prepares for their upcoming series in Pakistan, Broad's enthusiasm reflects a broader commitment to an exciting brand of cricket that prioritizes attacking play and strategic risk-taking.

“As a cricket fan, a Test match fan, an England fan, I think what Brendon and Ben have done is a wonderful thing.

“Yes, the results have been inconsistent on the odd occasion, but I’d much prefer us to have a go at things and try and win every single game than lose being negative.

“It’s been an amazing style for young players to learn their game and have amazing freedom. The key to it is the consistency in selection.”

England squad for Pakistan Test series: Ben Stokes (C), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.

Pakistan squad for first Test against England: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), and Shaheen Shah Afridi, Zahid Mehmood.

Pakistan, England Test series schedule: