Inzamamul Haq warns Pakistan of tough English conditions

Chief selector, however, backs visitors saying they possess quality to beat Joe Root-led side

Pakistan national cricket team chief selector Inzamamul Haq has warned the Sarfraz Ahmed and his men of the difficult conditions they will face on the Test tour of Ireland and England.

Pakistan, under the leadership of wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz, are in the UK to play a total of three Test matches — one against Ireland followed by two against England — starting from May 11 in Dublin.

Conditions in England have favoured bowlers over the years and with the series scheduled in early summer, the pitches are destined to offer more sideways movement than pace and Inzamam said players were sent to the country early to get acclimatised to the conditions.

“Playing in England in early summer is extremely tough,” said Inzamam. “It’s not going to be easy to bat in those conditions, which is why we’ve sent the team early to make sure the players will get enough time to acclimatise to the conditions.”

The last time Pakistan visited England, under the leadership of the then captain Misbahul Haq, they came out with a 2-2 draw in the four-match series, which was considered much like a victory for the visitors.

However, this time around, a new-look side is visiting England with as many as five players receiving their maiden calls for the longest-format squad, but Inzamam believes the squad possesses the quality to upstage England.

“I truly believe this Pakistan team has the ability to beat England in their own backyard,” he said.

Pakistan had their first taste of what the tour holds for them against Kent in a four-day tour match of which the second and the third day were washed out after the Men in Green were able to muster only 168 in the first innings.

Kent were left to linger on 39-1 for two days before the match resumed on the fourth and last day but could only deliver a draw, however, there was a shining moment for Inzamam’s nephew, left-handed opener Imamul Haq, as he scored a half-ton as other players faultered against pace and swing.

“I am happy with Imam’s performance, but I will be happier if other players will perform to their maximum too,” said Inzamam. “Our priority is to focus on youth and give youngsters the opportunity to shine on the big stage.”