Pakistan opened their two-match Test series against England on a disappointing note, and former England pacer Stuart Broad has given a stunning assessment of the side’s prospects. Broad felt that Pakistan could struggle if they fail to adjust themselves to the challenging conditions in England.
The opening Test got underway in Leeds on Wednesday, with England captain Joe Root’s decision to bowl turning out to be fruitful. The match was also significant, as it marked the beginning of a new phase for England’s Test team following the retirement of former captain Ben Stokes and the departure of head coach Brendon McCullum.
Meanwhile, for Pakistan, the challenge has become even greater with the absence of regular captain Babar Azam, who has been ruled out of the first Test due to injury. In his absence, the team is being led by stand-in captain Salman Agha.
“They are a poor side, they are not a really good side. You would imagine and you’d think that England should win 3-0. And pretty comfortably. But that isn’t guaranteed. But if England don’t come out with a Test match series win, it really is a huge failure,” Broad said on For The Love Of Cricket.
Pakistan struggled badly on day one after they were dismissed for 171, failing to post a substantial total. Pakistan’s Abdullah Shafique was the only batter who could resist England’s decisive bowling attack led by Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue who both took five wickets each.