Here’s a terrifying thought for English cricket fans, Pakistan have six of their squad in the top 30 ICC batting player rankings and five of those in the top 20.
That’s right; Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed, Azhar Ali and Mohammad Hafeez all make the cut on the ICC Test Player Rankings list which should give the England bowling attack plenty of food of thought.
Preparations have begun well for Pakistan, with Younis Khan making an unbeaten 99 on day one of Pakistan’s tour match with Somerset.
Everybody knows that it will not be easy for us, but as a batting unit we are prepared for that and we will try our best for our country.
Younis Khan
“It’s always good when you start with a high,” said Younis at the close of play, before highlighting the value of a training camp in Southampton.
Pakistan have taken the England tour preparation very seriously and arrived early to adapt to the English conditions. “We came very early and especially the management and the coaching staff, they are giving time to us so we are well prepared. This is the first time that Pakistan bats very well at the start of a tour. So it has been quite nice to prepare well.”
Younis, who was dropped twice in his innings, anticipates a stiff test from an England attack likely to be spearheaded by Stuart Broad and James Anderson, providing the latter can recover from injury.
“Whenever any team comes to England, they struggle a little bit against the top bowling attack England have,” Younis added. “Everybody knows that it will not be easy for us, but as a batting unit we are prepared for that and we will try our best for our country.”
See Pakistan at Edgbaston
England will take on Pakistan on Wednesday 3 – Sunday 7 August at Edgbaston and tickets are available for just £6 for Under 16s and from £31 for Adults.
