Akhtar expects England to target Pakistan’s weaknesses

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has warned Babar Azam’s side that the upcoming Test series in England will be a far tougher examination than their recent contest against the West Indies.

Pakistan recovered from an opening-Test defeat to beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the second match, drawing the series 1-1. However, Akhtar believes England will not give Pakistan the same opportunities to recover.

“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 an interview with a local sports platform, according to Geo News.

Pakistan’s away record remains a major concern

Babar has returned as Pakistan’s red-ball captain, but his first assignment back in charge produced mixed results. The team’s wider overseas record has continued to decline, with defeats in Australia, South Africa and Bangladesh following its last away Test victory against Sri Lanka in 2023.

Pakistan lost 3-0 in Australia, 2-0 in South Africa and 2-0 in Bangladesh during Shan Masood’s tenure. Those results have highlighted the team’s difficulties adapting to conditions outside the subcontinent.

WTC pressure adds to England challenge

Pakistan also slipped to the bottom of the World Test Championship table after losing the first Test against the West Indies, although the subsequent victory lifted them to eighth position. The England series will therefore carry significance both for their overseas reputation and their WTC campaign.

Akhtar’s warning is clear: England are expected to exploit their home conditions, use movement for their seamers and put Pakistan’s batting under sustained pressure.