Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Ollie Pope acknowledged Pakistan as a “highly skilled side,” highlighting key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah, who could turn things around for the team.
Despite Pakistan’s recent series loss to Bangladesh, Pope emphasized that England won’t underestimate them.
England will face Pakistan in a three-match series starting Monday, October 7, in Multan, with Pope leading the team in Ben Stokes’ absence due to a hamstring injury.
Pope recently guided England to a 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka and, ahead of the Pakistan series, stressed the importance of not taking Shan Masood’s side lightly despite their struggles.
“They haven’t had the best run, but they have some highly skilled players,” Pope told *India Today*. “Guys like Babar, Naseem, and Shaheen are top talents, and we’re expecting a tough challenge.”
England, now ranked No. 4 in the World Test Championship, aim to continue their momentum after winning five of their last six matches, while Pakistan, ranked 8th, will be looking to improve after a difficult WTC campaign.