England’s cricket team arrives in Pakistan early on Sunday to play three Tests for the first time since 2005, when the country hosted the first test series there. Two months ago, England hosted a successful Twenty20 series in Pakistan.
However, the country has not hosted a Test match there in 17 years due to the uncertain security situation. They were supposed to go to Pakistan last year, but they pulled out because of security alerts and New Zealand abandoning their tour minutes before the first one-day international. After an attack on former Prime Minister Imran Khan during a protest march in Wazirabad, a city in Punjab province, earlier this month, there were concerns about a similar pullout.
However, Ben Stokes, England’s Test captain, dispelled all doubts after receiving favorable security advice.
Stokes stated in Abu Dhabi on Friday, “It’s been a long time since England have played Test cricket in Pakistan.”
Under Pakistan’s strict security measures, the team and support staff were whisked to the team hotel following the return of international cricket in the country in 2015.
After attacks on the Sri Lankan team in 2009, Pakistan was forced to play their home games at neutral venues in the United Arab Emirates.
However, in the past seven years, Pakistan has hosted a number of teams, the most recent of which was Australia earlier this year.
Competing for World Test title
The three-match series – – area of the planet Test title – – begins in Rawalpindi on December 1 with the second Test in Multan (December 9-13) and the third in Karachi (December 17-21).
Pakistan, which is fifth in the nine-team championship and England is seventh, will try to win the series to advance to 2023 final.
Pakistan, led by star batter Babar Azam, will be without important fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has a knee injury and experienced leg-spinner Yasir Shah, who was not chosen because of his poor form.
Mark Wood, an England fast bowler, is doubtful for the first Test because of a hip injury. On the other hand, the experienced James Anderson, who was the only member of the 2005 tour who played in the 2-0 series loss, will lead the attack
Rehan Ahmed is a member of the England squad.