The national Test squad has started training ahead of a crucial England assignment, with new batting coach Michael Smith joining the team.
Pakistan’s Test squad has officially started preparations for their upcoming three-match series against England, beginning an important phase ahead of their return to English conditions.
The national side held its first training session on Monday at Kent County Cricket Club, where players participated in physical conditioning drills and fielding exercises. The opening session was aimed at getting the squad acclimatised to the conditions and building momentum before the series begins.
A key development during the training camp was the arrival of Pakistan’s newly appointed batting coach, Michael Smith. He met the players before joining the team’s batting practice and worked closely with the batters as they began preparations for the demanding challenge ahead.
Pakistan will continue their training programme with another session scheduled for Tuesday at 12:30pm. The team will also have an opportunity to assess its combinations during a four-day warm-up match against a Select XI, scheduled from August 12 to 15.
The upcoming Pakistan England Test series will mark Pakistan’s first Test tour of England since 2020. The matches are also part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, increasing their significance in the broader championship campaign.
The first Test is scheduled at Headingley from August 19 to 23, while the second match will take place at Lord’s from August 27 to 31. The series will conclude with the third Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9 to 13.
Pakistan head into the tour after drawing their recent two-Test series against the West Indies 1-1. The campaign also produced Pakistan’s first overseas Test victory since July 2023, giving the side added confidence before facing England.
The Pakistan squad includes Babar Azam, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.