Pakistan will feel confident of beating England after watching West Indies' performance in the first Test: Ramiz Raja

England and West Indies flagged off international cricket by locking horns at Southampton in the first Test of the three-match series. The visitors, led by Jason Holder, topped England as they scripted an emphatic four-wicket victory by hunting down the 200-run target on the final day. West Indies initiated the historic tour by clinching triumph and going 1-0 up in the series.

Following England’s defeat in the first Test, cricketer-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja believes that Pakistan will feel confident of their chances to clinch victory on the English soil. The hosts’ batting line-up is capable of making mistakes, making the job easier for Pakistan, according to Raja.

“Pakistan will feel confident after watching the West Indies’ performance (in the first Test). They will be feeling this England team can be defeated. Their batting doesn’t seem strong, however, the return of Joe Root will definitely help them,” Ramiz said during a fan interaction on his YouTube channel ‘Ramiz Speaks’.

“But I still feel this England batting line-up is capable of making mistakes. They have a world-class all-rounder in Ben Stokes in their ranks but rest can be put under pressure.”

There won’t be home crowd advantage for England: Ramiz Raja

After finishing their three-Test series against West Indies, England are slated to lock horns with Pakistan in three Tests and as many T20Is.

In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the matches will be played behind closed doors and players will be in a bio-secure bubble. Raja, on playing matches without the presence of a vocal English crowd, said that it will beneficial for Pakistan as the hosts will be without home support.

“There won’t be any home crowd advantage for them. During crunch moments, support for the home team is very important. Pakistan now knows that if they play sensibly in England they can beat them,” said Raja.

The first Test between the two teams will be played in Manchester starting August 5 while the final two Tests are scheduled to be played in Southampton from August 13 and August 21 respectively. Following the Test series, England and Pakistan will lock horns in three T20Is, which will be played at a single venue– Manchester– August 28, August 30, and September 1 respectively.