England head coach Chris Silverwood has on Wednesday (August 5) hinted that they are close to finalizing things amid the talks of a return visit to Pakistan as a pay-off for the ongoing bilateral series in the United Kingdom during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
Suggesting the things are on course for a reciprocal tour, Silverwood said he has no personal issue in traveling to Pakistan and he was confident that his team would also ready for the tour as well.
Following the day one’s play of the ongoing first Test of the three-match Test series in Manchester, Silverwood feels England would be ready to make the Pakistan tour while his batters would be certainly raring to have a crack at the placid wickets in the Asian country.
England has not toured Pakistan since 2005 due to security concerns following the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore, although they are scheduled to visit the country in 2022 and the Pakistan Cricket Board is hoping for a short trip – either a T20 series or a visit by the England Lions before it.
Silverwood told Sky Sports: “I think we are getting there (in terms of planning). Personally I would have no problem with that. I’ve never been to Pakistan so it would be nice to go and have a look.”
He further added, “We are looking to get back there. I know the batsmen would look forward to batting on their wickets. For me, it’s great that it is back as a topic of conversation.”
Noteworthy, England and Pakistan are currently engaged in a three-match Test series in Manchester. Following the Test series, they will also play 3-match T20I series next month.
(With Sky Sports Inputs)
