Sarfaraz Ahmed Confident Pakistan Are Ready for England Test Series

Pakistan Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed believes the side got the ideal preparation from their warm-up game against PCC Select XI before facing England in a three-Test series starting on August 19.

The Pakistan team headed to Beckenham straight after their West Indies tour, where they finished the two-Test series 1-1. They used the three-day match against PCC Select XI to get used to the conditions and give their players valuable time in the middle.

Pakistan were behind for much of the game, with PCC Select XI in control after the opening two days. However, the visitors staged a strong comeback on the last day. Ali Usman claimed five wickets in the second innings before Saud Shakeel guided Pakistan home with an unbeaten century.

Speaking about the win in the warm-up game, Sarfaraz said Pakistan were able to achieve everything they wanted from the match. He added that the victory has lifted the players’ confidence and morale, giving the team belief ahead of the England series.

"Look, definitely, if we talk about our practice match, it was very good. And we covered all the things that we should have covered. Either the bowling attack or the batting unit," said Pakistan Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed.

"And by the Grace of Almighty, we won that match as well. So, the confidence is very high, the spirit is very high. And by the Will of Almighty Allah, the whole team believes that we will do very well here," added Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Pakistan are returning to England for their first Test tour since 2020, but they will be without their star player Babar Azam in the opening match. The 31-year-old has not been cleared by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical team after suffering a hand injury in the recent practice match.

Babar’s absence is a major setback for Pakistan, especially after his strong performances in the West Indies. The right-hander was named joint Player of the Series during the tour, but head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said the team is focused on finding a "better combination" without him.

"Look, we will decide with which combination we will go. Definitely, the experience that Abbas has here and the conditions in which he plays cricket here, he will be one of our main bowlers," said Sarfaraz Ahmed.

"Obviously, your main player has a little setback that he is not available in the team. But look, all the boys are very confident here, and we will try to find a better combination in Babar's absence.” added Sarfaraz Ahmed.