Afridi thinks English conditions will test youngsters

Former T20 captain says Three Lions are play well in their own conditions

Former Pakistan T20 captain Shahid Afridi believes English conditions will present a great challenge for youngsters who will be accompanied by veterans Misbahul Haq and Younus Khan in July.

“No doubt English team is one of the best,” said Afridi. “They are playing well in their own conditions; the way [James] Anderson and [Stuart] Broad are bowling. It will be a big test for youngsters who are coming with the Pakistan team; there are big challenges ahead of them. We have Misbah, he is leading the team very well with Younus Khan on his side.”

Afridi claimed he didn’t mind being dropped from the England tour instead he talked to the selectors to check the potential of the youngsters.

"I've told the selectors it's fine to keep me away and to see where the youngsters are standing," said Afridi.

The 36-year-old is currently in England where he will represent Hampshire in the county starting from their first match against Middlesex on Friday.

"I'm happy to concentrate on my county summer at the moment and then we'll see what happens later," he said. "If they (Pakistan) want me later in the summer, then I'm available," added Afridi.

The flamboyant all-rounder resigned from captaincy after Pakistan’s dismal performance in 2016 World T20 where the team won only one match against Bangladesh. They were beaten comprehensively by India, Australia and New Zealand in the group stage.

Afridi will be accompanied by Peshawar Zalmi teammate West Indies World T20 winning captain Darren Sammy during the T20 Blast.

Pakistan will start their tour of England on July 14 with four Tests, five ODIs and one-off T20 to be played over the course of two months.

National chief selector Inzamamul Haq while commenting on Afridi’s selection in the national side for the England tour had said: “He was and still is the star of Pakistan cricket and when the time comes we will assess his form and then decide whether to play him or not.”

[poll id="1488"]

Shahid Afridi was interviewed by BBC South