James Anderson excited to tour Pakistan after 17 years 


image-laskmcj8James Anderson and Ben Stokes will be key for England in Pakistan (Source: Twitter)

England bowling spearhead James Anderson expressed his delight to tour Pakistan after 17 years. Both teams clashed last in Pakistan in 2005, wherein the home team secured a 2-0 and 3-2 victory in the red-ball and white-ball format respectively. 

Although Anderson didn't feature in any of the Test matches, he was England's finest bowler with seven scalps in five ODIs. 

The forthcoming series will comprise of three-matches slated to begin on December 1. While the second and third fixtures will commence on December 9 and 17 respectively. Rawalpindi, Multan and Karachi will be the host of the games. 

England second-string T20I team secured a 4-3 victory over Pakistan in the seven-match series in September-October. Then, they lifted the T20 World Cup 2022 title in Australia as well by beating the Men in Green in the final. 

However, the format and conditions will be different in the Test series. Currently, the Three Lions are undergoing a week-long camp at the Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub to prepare for the series. 

England is also set to play a three-day warm up match from Wednesday before heading to Pakistan. England's leading wicket-taker in Tests with 667 scalps,  Anderson is the only member from the 2005 touring party to Pakistan. 

Anderson reckoned that the players are inspired to do well in Pakistan, after team's T20 WC title victory.  He also affirmed that he is in good shape and will continue featuring in the Tests in the near future. 

“It’s exciting for us having not been there for quite some time, and I think I’m probably the only player in this squad who has done a Test tour to Pakistan. I think the fans and players over there would be very excited to see us play," . 

England skipper Ben Stokes is said to skip warm-up game due to his knee injury, and Ollie Pope could lead the side. 


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