Facing England in their conditions will be interesting, says Pakistan batter Shafique

Abdullah Shafique has secured his place in Pakistan's squad for the upcoming England Test series following a strong performance in the West Indies. The 26-year-old batter scored an unbeaten 160 in the first innings at Port of Spain and followed it with 24 not out in the fourth innings as Pakistan won the second Test by eight wickets. His century marked his first hundred since October 2024 and represented a historic achievement for Pakistan batters in the region.

Shafique was included in the West Indies squad due to an injury to Abdullah Fazal, who sustained a lower-back injury during training at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. The Port of Spain Test was the first occasion Shafique played at number three in Test cricket, a position where he found immediate success.

"I've played one game for Yorkshire in the County Championship last summer and feel confident about adjusting to the conditions at Leeds," Shafique told PCB media.

Shafique's recent form comes after a difficult period in which he averaged 20.52 in Tests from December 2023 to October 2025. His preparation for the England tour included playing in the President's Trophy Grade-II Gold tournament, where he batted in seaming and spin-friendly conditions across four venues. The domestic tournament helped him develop under pressure and in challenging circumstances.

"I've faced England a few times at home (2022 and 2024) and this away series against them will be an exciting challenge," Shafique explained.

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Pakistan will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for the England series, which includes Tests at Headingley, Lord's and Edgbaston. Pakistan have not won a single Test series in England over the last three decades, though they won three successive series there in 1987, 1992 and 1996.