![Babar Azam playing for Pakistan [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1786468064931_BabarAzam.jpg?type=hq)
Babar Azam playing for Pakistan [Source: AFP]
England’s Test team has built a reputation for playing aggressive cricket, but Pakistan has several players who know exactly how to disrupt their plans.
The Pakistan-England rivalry has produced some memorable individual performances, and there are four players who could once again become a major headache for the English side in the current WTC cycle.
From Babar Azam’s remarkable consistency with the bat to some memorable bowling performances by the Men in Green bowlers, the visitors have players with proven records against their upcoming opponents.
Therefore, this article will look at four Pakistani players who can prove to be a nightmare for England.
1. Babar Azam
The first name that comes to mind is Babar Azam. The Pakistan captain has historically enjoyed batting against England, and his numbers against them in Test cricket show why he could be one of Pakistan’s biggest threats.
Babar has scored 646 runs in 12 Test innings against England, averaging 53.83. His record becomes even more impressive when looking at some of his individual performances.
During England’s 2022 tour of Pakistan, Babar was one of Pakistan’s most dependable batters. He scored 136 runs in Rawalpindi, followed by 75 in Multan and then 78 and 54 in Karachi.
The 136-run knock in Rawalpindi was particularly impressive. Babar scored the century at a strike rate of more than 80, showing that he was capable of matching England’s aggressive approach rather than simply trying to survive it.
He also has a Test fifty against England at Lord’s and scored 69 and 63* during the 2020 series in England.
However, there is one interesting aspect of Babar’s record. England have dismissed him on several occasions, and his most recent numbers against them have not been as dominant as his 2022 performances. His 2024 series produced scores of only 30 and 5.
That could actually make him an even bigger threat. Babar is an experienced batter who knows what England’s bowlers can offer, and if he gets through the initial phase, Pakistan could have a major problem for England.
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2. Imam-ul-Haq
Imam-ul-Haq is another Pakistan batter who can trouble England, particularly if he gets through the new-ball spell. Unlike Babar, Imam's overall numbers against England are not as spectacular. However, his performances during Pakistan's 2022 home series showed exactly why England cannot afford to underestimate him.
Imam scored 121 runs in the first Test at Rawalpindi, followed by 48 in the second innings. He then scored 60 in Multan.
Across his Test career against England, Imam has scored 285 runs in eight innings, averaging 40.71.
His century in Rawalpindi is particularly important because it came against an England side that was playing its aggressive Bazball style. Imam did not allow England's approach to dictate his batting.
He absorbed pressure, built a long innings, and eventually scored a century. That is precisely what Pakistan could need against England.
3. Sajid Khan
While Babar and Imam can hurt England with the bat, Sajid Khan can create problems with the ball. In fact, England have already experienced just how destructive Sajid can be.
During the first Test of England's 2024 tour of Pakistan in Multan, Sajid produced one of the best bowling performances of the series. He finished the first innings with 7/111, dismissing seven England batters.
And the names on his wicket list tell the story. Sajid dismissed Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, among others.
He then returned in the second innings and picked up another two wickets. His performance was not a one-off either. In the following Test at Rawalpindi, Sajid took 6/128 in the first innings and followed it with 4/69 in the second innings.
That gave him a remarkable 10 wickets in the Test. Across those two Tests against England, Sajid picked up 19 wickets.
This is where Sajid Khan becomes particularly dangerous for England. The English batting line-up contains several aggressive players who are willing to attack spin. Sajid, however, has already shown that he can use that aggression against them.
No matter how pace-friendly England pitches will be, the little spin assistance during Days 2 and 3 might be enough for the veteran to boil the hosts’ blood.
4. Salman Agha
Salman Agha could arguably be Pakistan's most valuable player against England because he can hurt them in both departments. The all-rounder enjoyed an excellent Test series against England in 2024, scoring 262 runs in five innings at an average of 65.50.
He scored a century during the series and also registered two fifties. His batting has therefore been one of the major reasons why Salman can become a problem for England.
But there is another dimension to his game. Salman Agha can also bowl useful off-spin, giving Pakistan an additional option when they need to break a partnership or attack England's middle order.
His overall Test record shows that he has already contributed significantly with both bat and ball. He has scored 1,683 runs at an average of 37.40 and taken 20 wickets.
Against England, however, his batting has been particularly effective. Interestingly, his bowling numbers against England are not as impressive. He took only one wicket in the 2024 series and conceded 126 runs from 20 overs. Therefore, it would be wrong to suggest that Salman has already dominated England with the ball.
However, Pakistan do not necessarily need Salman to take five wickets. If he scores a crucial 70 or 100 and then chips in with a couple of important overs, he can have a significant impact on the match.
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