Ahead of the first Test match, England captain Ollie Pope emphasized the crucial role of fast bowler Mark Wood in the team, particularly with his ability to exploit reverse swing.
Speaking at a press conference, Pope highlighted that England’s bowlers are well-equipped to take advantage of the conditions.
Pope noted that the pitch seems flat despite the presence of grass, predicting an interesting contest. Reflecting on their recent series against Sri Lanka, Pope said, "We’ve learned a lot, and our bowlers now have a great opportunity to showcase their skills."
He praised James Anderson for his consistent performances and confirmed that spinner Jack Leach is fit, having bowled extensively over the last six months.
Commenting on the opposition, Pope acknowledged the high level of skill in the Pakistan team, particularly singling out Babar Azam and Naseem Shah as key players to watch out for.
The stage is set for an exciting series, with both teams eager to make their mark.
