Pakistan are a poor side, England should win 3-0 and pretty comfortably, says Stuart Broad

Stuart Broad has backed England to dominate Pakistan in the upcoming Test series, which begins at Headingley on Wednesday, August 19. Pakistan arrive in England without their captain Babar Azam, who sustained a right hand injury during a warm-up match at Beckenham and has been ruled out of the opening Test. The injury has forced Salman Agha to step up to the captaincy role for the first time in Tests.

Broad’s assessment came as he analysed the strength of both squads ahead of the series. Pakistan have recalled Mohammad Abbas, the 36-year-old fast bowler who has taken over 300 County Championship wickets across Leicestershire, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Despite this addition, Broad remained unconvinced about Pakistan’s overall quality.

“Yes, they’ve still got Babar Azam. They’ve got Mohammad Abbas, who’s come back into the side, who’s 36. But they’re a poor side. They’re not really a good side,” Broad said while speaking on the For The Love Of Cricket podcast.

What does Broad expect from England’s performance?

The former England pace bowler then outlined his expectations for the series outcome. He believes England possess the quality to secure a comprehensive victory across all three Tests. Broad’s confidence reflects England’s recent competitive edge in bilateral contests against Pakistan.

“You would imagine and you would think that England should win 3-0 and pretty comfortably,” Broad opined.

How do both teams compare heading into the series?

England’s recent form has been inconsistent, with the team losing seven of their past nine Tests and failing to win a Test series since December 2024. The side currently sits seventh in the World Test Championship standings. Pakistan occupy eighth position in the same standings and have also not won a Test series since late 2024. However, Pakistan did level their recent Test series against West Indies 1-1 in the Caribbean.

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Pakistan have not won a Test tour to England since 1996, a record that stretches back three decades. England lost the previous series in Pakistan during 2024 by a margin of 2-1. However, the Three Lions will be the favourites in home conditions. Joe Root has returned as England captain, while Jordan Cox has been assigned the number three batting role with just a single Test cap to his name. Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell has been ruled out with a knee injury. Expect a humdinger of a contest this week at Headingley.