England Test captain Joe Root has stated that his side is not underestimating Pakistan’s pace attack ahead of the opening Test match, singling out veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas for his extensive experience and track record.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Root—who has stepped back into the captaincy role—expressed confidence, stating that he feels more experienced and under no pressure. Root noted that England plans to adapt to match situations rather than relying strictly on the aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, acknowledging that strategy must evolve according to conditions.
Addressing the opposition, Root highlighted the threat posed by Pakistani fast bowlers, particularly praising Mohammad Abbas for his impressive consistency in English conditions, where the pacer has taken 300 wickets in county cricket over the past decade.
The first Test match between Pakistan and England begins today. Pakistan will be led by Salman Ali Agha in the absence of injured captain Babar Azam, while Shan Masood has passed fitness tests and remains fully available for selection.
