Thaindian News

Karachi, Jul 27 (ANI): Former Pakistani skipper Wasim Akram feels that the upcoming series against England will be the ‘real’ test for Salman Butt’s young team.

Pakistan face England in the first of the four Tests at Trent Bridge starting Thursday.

Speaking to ESPN from London on Monday, Akram said: “Facing England at home will be a tough challenge. They are a very good side at home and it is going to be really difficult to beat them.”

He, however, praised the Pakistan players for the way they managed a Test win against Australia after 15 years at Leeds, The Daily Times reports.

“I think it’s a great achievement and it will definitely instill confidence in the young Pakistan side to face the dangerous England at home. The drawn series versus Australia not only gives them a chance to compete against the ‘Three Lions’ but they can now very well harbour hopes of beating them as well,” he said.

The conditions at Headingley allowed the Pakistani swing bowlers to flourish, however, if the Test was played in Pakistan, then according to Akram, the spinners would have come into play.

“Had this match been played in Lahore or Karachi, then spin and reverse swing would have been more effective. All the three pacers Mohammed Aamer, Umar Gul and Mohammad Asif can do a bit of reverse swing and they would have been handful even on home turf,” Akram said.

That Pakistan came from behind and won the Headingley Test is testimony of their ability to shake off any turmoil, both on and off the field, said Akram.

“To win a Test match against an Australian side especially after a drubbing at Lord’s and Afridi’s sudden retirement, tells about the character of this young team,” he said. (ANI)