London, 11 August 2026:
Former Pakistan Test cricketer Mudassar Nazar believes Pakistan’s prospects in its three-match Test series against England could depend heavily on how the tourists handle the opening match at Headingley, where conditions can quickly transform from favorable for batting to demanding for even the most accomplished players.
Pakistan open the series at Headingley on Aug. 19 before the teams move to Lord’s for the second Test from Aug. 27. The third Test begins at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Sept. 9.
Nazar, who played 76 Tests for Pakistan between 1976 and 1989, scoring 4,114 runs at an average of 38.09 with 10 centuries while also taking 66 wickets, in an exclusive interview with CricZone.com.au said Pakistan arrives in England with renewed confidence but must avoid repeating the selection and batting mistakes that have hurt the team in the past.
For Nazar, Headingley represents the most important immediate challenge.
“The first crucial match of Pakistan is Headingley, Leeds,” Nazar said.
Drawing on his own experience of playing Test cricket in England, Nazar said Headingley can reward disciplined medium-fast bowling, particularly when cloud cover arrives and lateral movement becomes a factor.
“In Leeds, historically, a bowler who is very fast doesn’t take much time compared to the medium pacers,” Nazar said, stressing the importance of bowlers operating around a consistent line and length. He said Headingley can become an excellent batting surface in sunshine but conditions can change dramatically once clouds move in.
That, Nazar believes, could suit Pakistan’s attack, particularly bowlers capable of exploiting seam movement rather than relying solely on pace.
He was particularly critical of Pakistan’s previous handling of Mohammad Abbas, describing the decision to leave the seamer out as a major selection error. Nazar said Abbas’ lack of outright pace should not obscure his ability to maintain a probing line and length and extract movement from helpful conditions.
Nazar said Pakistan could have an opening against an England batting lineup undergoing changes, but warned that the home side remains balanced and possesses enough fast-bowling depth to put Pakistan’s batting under considerable pressure.
He identified England’s pace resources, including Jofra Archer, as a significant threat and said Pakistan’s middle order cannot afford to be repeatedly exposed.
“If it gets exposed here like West Indies, it will be a big loss for Pakistan,” Nazar said.
He also placed considerable importance on Pakistan’s all-rounders, arguing that players capable of contributing in more than one discipline become especially valuable in England. He said Aamir Jamal could be required both to take wickets and score useful runs, particularly if pitches become uneven later in matches.
Nazar impressed by Azan Awais but warns of England examination
One of the players Nazar is particularly interested in seeing is young left-handed opener Azan Awais.
Nazar praised Azaan’s development through Pakistan’s age-group system and his ability to construct substantial innings.
“Pakistan’s new opening batter, I like him,” Nazar said. “He plays very well. And the biggest thing is that he came through the system. He came from the U19 and the U16.”
Nazar said Azan has shown an important quality for a Test opener — an understanding of how to accumulate runs and bat for long periods.
“He knows how to score. He plays long innings,” Nazar said.
England, however, will offer a substantially different examination.
Nazar said the young opener will have to be disciplined around off stump and avoid allowing England’s fast bowlers to repeatedly draw him into uncertain strokes. He expects England could field as many as four fast bowlers at Headingley, increasing the importance of Pakistan getting through the new ball.
“This is the examination he must come through,” Nazar said. “We all have to go through this.”
Nazar said Azan’s success could be critical because Pakistan cannot afford to expose its middle order too early in English conditions.
“I have high hopes for him,” Nazar said. “And it is very important for him to click. Because it is very important for the team to get a solid start.”
His advice to the young opener is essentially to remain compact, respect the movement around off stump and adapt rather than attempt to dominate England’s quicks from the outset.
Babar’s runs could shape series
Nazar also believes much will depend on Babar Azam, saying Pakistan needs its premier batter to turn promising starts into decisive innings.
He referred to the long-standing criticism that Babar has sometimes failed to convert half-centuries into hundreds and said that conversion remains one of the differences between good players and the greats.
“My prayers are for him to score a century,” Nazar said. “And he will score a long century. He has the pedigree to score a century.”
Nazar added that Babar has the technique and quality to succeed in England and could have an enormous influence on the outcome of the series.
“If Babar scores two centuries in three matches, then Pakistan will win for sure,” Nazar said. “I think he has all the ingredients.”
Nazar nevertheless acknowledged the pressure surrounding Babar, saying expectations in Pakistan remain exceptionally high even when a player produces a substantial contribution without reaching three figures.
Rizwan urged to return to basics
Nazar also highlighted Mohammad Rizwan as another senior player whose performances could significantly affect Pakistan’s fortunes.
He said Rizwan has recently struggled against higher pace and urged him to simplify his technique.
“He has to go back to basics,” Nazar said.
The former Pakistan all-rounder said Rizwan’s wicket-keeping will be just as important as his batting because the lateral movement typical of English conditions is likely to create plenty of chances behind the stumps.
“In England, there is lateral movement,” Nazar said, adding that Rizwan’s catching and batting would both be important to Pakistan.
First morning could set tone for series
Despite the challenges, Nazar believes Pakistan has a realistic opportunity in the series, particularly if it starts well.
He described the opening Test as crucial psychologically, arguing that defeat could revive doubts created by Pakistan’s recent inconsistency, while victory could fundamentally change the complexion of the series.
“It is very important that Pakistan does well in the first Test match,” Nazar said. “If they give a good performance, if they win the match, then there will be a lot of chances for Pakistan to win the series.”
He placed particular emphasis on the opening session at Headingley.
“The first match is very important,” Nazar said. “Especially, the first morning of the Test match is very important for Leeds.”
Nazar also ended on an optimistic note about the Babar Azam-Sarfaraz Ahmed leadership combination, with Babar as Pakistan’s Test captain and Sarfaraz working with him as coach.
The pair, Nazar noted, has already experienced Test success together.
“They have already won a Test match together,” Nazar said. “I hope things go well for both of them.”
