Pakistan are currently occupying the fifth spot on the WTC points table.
Pakistan are occupying the fifth spot on the WTC points table and can have a shot at next year’s final if they win the home Test series 2-0.
The Babar-led side also has two-match home series lined up against New Zealand next month.
“We are excited about that prospect of playing the WTC final,” Babar Azam said on the eve of Test series opener.
“This is an important series. We have a golden chance to achieve that if we win four of the five Tests to come,” he added.
Pakistan have 56 points from nine Tests in the ongoing WTC cycle. They have won four, lost three, and drawn the other two.
Babar is confident about their preparation for the series.
“We got around a week to prepare for the series so that was great and has given us some edge and momentum. The best thing was that domestic first-class matches were on so some of the players were already playing red ball cricket.”
Pakistan won’t have the services of injured pacer Shaheen Afridi in the Test series but Babar refused to admit that they will be short on experience in bowling.
“Our bowling is good and will give a tough time to England,” the captain remarked.
“Naseem (Shah) has been bowling well and whatever England have been doing I have that confidence and the belief that they will give their best to give us wins.”
Apart from Naseem (13 Tests), other Pakistani fast bowlers Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim, and Mohammad Ali are yet to make their Test debuts.
Babar Azam acknowledged that England have more experience in bowling.
“Yes, England have that edge in fast bowling because they have James Anderson who is very experienced and give them edge in that department,” he stated.
(With AFP inputs)