"You'd be a fool to say that going to Pakistan and winning is an easy job" - Nasser Hussain warns England ahead of Test series
Former England skipper Nasser Hussain feels Pakistan will be no pushovers at home despite their recent struggles across formats. The cricketer-turned-commentator's statement came ahead of the Test series against England, beginning on October 7 in Multan.
Pakistan have had a forgettable year thus far, losing an away Test series to Australia, followed by a T20I leg against New Zealand. The Men in Green only drew the T20I series against an under-strength Black Caps side at home and suffered a group-stage exit in the T20 World Cup in June. However, Pakistan's lowest point came recently as Bangladesh secured a Test series victory against them in their backyard.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hussain observed that Pakistan are at a 'real low', but suggested that England shouldn't take them lightly. He said:
"Pakistan are always a mercurial side that have ups and downs, but at the moment, they're on a real low, in all formats. They didn't have a great (T20) World Cup. They've got another coach-captain combination in Jason Gillespie and Shan Masood, their star batter Babar Azam hasn't got a half-century in his last eight Test matches and has just given up the white-ball captaincy. But you'd be a fool to say that going to Pakistan and winning is an easy job to do."
England, captained by Ben Stokes, had tasted success in Pakistan two years ago when they secured a clean sweep 3-0 series win. With the tourists in form, they start as considerable favorites for the upcoming leg too.
"All eyes will be on Pakistan and whether they can up their game" - Nasser Hussain
Hussain reckons England will have a set template of playing; hence, all eyes will be on Pakistan as to how they respond. He added:
"They're a very proud cricketing nation, they won't like the slump that they're in, and they will still be a force at home. I think all eyes will be on Pakistan and whether they can up their game, because I think we sort of know what we're going to get from Ben Stokes and his team."
Pakistan have only announced the squad for the opening Test so far.