Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has criticised Pakistan ahead of its three-match Test series against England. He expects England to win the series 3-0.
Broad made the comments on the For The Love Of Cricket podcast. He praised some of Pakistan’s individual players but questioned the team’s overall strength.
Broad Calls Pakistan a Poor Side
Broad acknowledged the quality in Pakistan’s squad. However, he believes the team lacks the strength needed to compete with England.
Pakistan still has Babar Azam in its squad. Veteran fast bowler Mohammad Abbas has also returned at the age of 36.
Broad still expects England to dominate the series. He believes England should win all three Tests without much difficulty.
Babar Azam Misses First Test
Pakistan faces another challenge ahead of the opening Test. Babar Azam will miss the match at Headingley because of a right-hand injury.
Babar suffered the injury during a warm-up match against a PCC Select XI at Beckenham.
Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed later confirmed that Babar would miss the first Test. His absence could weaken Pakistan’s batting line-up.
England Starts a New Era
The series also marks a new chapter for England Test cricket.
Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum have left their respective roles. Joe Root has returned as captain.
Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim coach. Stephen Fleming will later take charge of the England team.
England currently sits seventh in the World Test Championship standings. Pakistan ranks eighth, just one place behind England.
Abbas Could Threaten England
Broad also praised Mohammad Abbas. The experienced pacer has taken more than 300 County Championship wickets.
Abbas has played county cricket for Leicestershire, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire.
His accuracy could make him a major threat in English conditions. His ability to move the ball could also cause problems for England’s batsmen.
England’s Recent Form Raises Questions
Despite Broad’s confidence, England enters the series with poor recent results.
England has lost seven of its last nine Tests. The team has also failed to win a Test series since December 2024.
The hosts will also miss Jacob Bethell. The young batter has suffered a knee injury and will not play in the series.
Jordan Cox is expected to bat at No. 3. Cox has played only one Test so far.
Pakistan Has Recent Success Against England
Pakistan can take confidence from its recent record against England.
Pakistan won its home Test series against England 2-1 in 2024. It also completed a 3-0 series victory in Pakistan in 2022.
Pakistan enters the latest series after securing a Test victory in the Caribbean. That win helped Pakistan level the series.
Broad expects England to win comfortably. However, Pakistan’s recent record and England’s poor form could make the contest far closer than his prediction suggests.
