Former England bowler Stuart Broad believes the team’s aggressive approach will be crucial in overcoming spin-friendly conditions during their upcoming Test series in Pakistan. England is set to return for a red-ball series after a successful 3-0 victory against the hosts in 2022, where Harry Brook made headlines with three centuries.
Despite their past success in Pakistan, Broad pointed out that England struggled in similar conditions earlier this year in India, where they lost a series 4-1. However, he is confident that the current squad has the talent to tackle spin effectively.
“I think the style will work in Pakistan, for sure,” Broad said ahead of the launch of the MCC’s new digital platform, Inside Lord’s. “They are positive and aggressive, capable of finding boundaries without getting bogged down by spin.”
Broad emphasised the need for fast-paced cricket to force results in Pakistan, where matches typically require the full five days to yield outcomes. England’s fast-bowling lineup, led by Chris Woakes and including Matthew Potts, Olly Stone, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse, will be without seasoned players Mark Wood, who is sidelined with an elbow injury, and skipper Ben Stokes, who is still recovering.
Discussing the current state of Pakistan cricket, Broad noted that the hosts recently suffered a 2-0 defeat at home against Bangladesh, which could give England an edge. “Pakistan have not been playing their best cricket. England should see this as an opportunity to apply pressure right from the start,” he remarked.
However, Broad cautioned that Pakistan still boasts world-class talent capable of changing a game single-handedly. He mentioned the variability in pitch conditions, noting that recent surfaces have shown a mix of slower, turning tracks and greener pitches, which could complicate matters for England’s less experienced bowling group.
Broad acknowledged the inconsistencies in England’s Test results but urged players to focus on the positives. He highlighted that younger players, such as Jamie Smith, are thriving under the leadership of coach Brendon McCullum and captain Stokes. “This style has allowed young players to learn and express themselves freely,” he said, stressing the importance of consistency in team selection.
The three-Test series against Pakistan kicks off in Multan on October 7, and Broad is optimistic about England’s chances against the struggling hosts.
