Tough series beckons for England

The former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has said Pakistan could struggle against England later in the year, but still considers the home team will start favourites. England's much-publicised tour of Pakistan - they have refused to play a five-day Test in Karachi - gets underway in late October, with three Tests and five one-day matches.

Speaking to Reuters, Akram said: "England have been playing good cricket these days and they will be coming to Pakistan high on confidence after a big Ashes series."

"Pakistan, I feel, still would start as firm favourites with three quality spinners, two of them - Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik being top-class all-rounders - and pacer Shoaib Akhtar coming back into the side, something which will tilt the scale in their favour."

"But they will have to work very hard to challenge England. Pakistan, under coach Bob Woolmer, [are] a different side. They are much more mentally strong and that matters," said Akram.

England are in the throes of a nail-biting Ashes series, one which has drained every ounce of energy from players and supporters alike. Akram rejected the notion that England could be jaded and exhausted from their summer efforts:

"I don't think it will be the case. They will have a rest before coming to Pakistan and also players these days are very professional and have a high level of fitness."

England's pace attack has bullied Australia's batsmen all summer, and their mastering of reverse swing has, many believe, been the key factor to England's success against Australia. And Akram paid tribute to England's attack:

"I don't think their pacers will struggle in Pakistan since the weather will be cold and nice. In winters we have only 83 overs in Punjab and so that will matter. England will cope well with conditions there, and Pakistan will have to play out of their skins to do well."

"The current Ashes series has shown that England are getting very close to finishing the matches. They are getting the extra edge in general."