Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has warned Babar Azam’s side to prepare for difficult conditions when they face England in a three-Test series beginning at Headingley in Leeds on August 19.

Akhtar expects England to target Pakistan’s batting

Akhtar believes England will study the mistakes made by the West Indies during their recent series against Pakistan and avoid allowing the visitors to gain control of the matches. He expects the hosts to prepare pitches that offer assistance to their seam bowlers.

“England won't make the same mistake West Indies did that allowed Pakistan to get into a winning position. They'll prepare seam-friendly conditions, which will be very difficult for Pakistan to handle,” Akhtar said in comments from an interview with a local sports platform, as quoted by Geo News.

The series will be Pakistan’s first Test tour of England since 2020 and forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. The second Test is scheduled for Lord’s from August 27 to 31, with the final match at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9 to 13.

Pakistan arrive after West Indies draw

Pakistan enter the tour after drawing their two-Test series in the West Indies 1-1. That campaign included Pakistan’s first away Test victory since July 2023.

Before the series begins, Pakistan will play a four-day warm-up match against a Select XI from August 12 to 15 as they assess their batting and bowling combinations for English conditions.