THE sun-drenched Lord’s is picturesque and if the weather is kind for the first Test, then it would certainly provide both the home and visiting team the opportunity to compete at least at an equal level despite their own individual strengths and weaknesses.

Having won an important Test against Ireland, Pakistan have no doubt have gained in confidence and know well that the start of this their long drawn itinerary of Tests and limited-over games in the next seven months would no doubt be a litmus test of their form, fitness and skills in varying conditions of England here, UAE and then in South Africa.

This certainly is no ordinary tour to start with which, no doubt, gives a golden opportunity to Sarfraz Ahmed and his men to not only get in the groove for the coming months but also haul themselves on the top of the rankings on all levels.

The first of the two Tests against England at Lord’s is a dream game not only for the touring Pakistanis but also for those who aspire to set their foot on the this sacred turf to experience what it is like to play at the headquarters of the game and in front of an admiring and knowledgeable crowd.

Only four players in the current Pakistan side — Sarfraz, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Mohammad Amir — know how it is like to play at Lord’s.

But for the other seven playing on this ground for the first time, it could be a memorable outing to remember and that too if they manage to record their names on the honours board by making a hundred or by taking five wickets in an innings.

Along with the greats of the game who have done well here there are also our own men who are amongst those who are on the honours board. A century at Lord’s in a Test is what everyone dreams of.

From the first Pakistani century-maker at Lord’s, Nasim-ul-Ghani in 1962 to the last Misbah-ul-Haq, who made 114 in his first appearance at the hallowed venue, there are illustrious men in that list from our country including the ‘Little Master’ Hanif Mohammad, Javed Burki, Mohsin Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf.

For the young men in the current side, emulating the legends would be too much of an ask but it’s not beyond any mortal to come to that level if their focus is to learn and achieve what the others before them did.

Sky is no doubt the limit. Sarfraz, prior to this crucial match, admits that his charges are up against a huge challenge on this tour but also says that their performance in trying conditions in Ireland gives “me heart that they all have the ability to stand up to the occasion”.

His views are backed by the fact that the England captain Joe Root who thinks that having watched this Pakistan team against Ireland he is impressed with the talent and skill that Pakistan has in their bowling and also in batting.

The Test wicket with lot of grass on top was being mowed to give it a look yellowish look. I would personally love to see Amir and Mohammad Abbas are joined with Hassan Ali, if he is declared fit before the match.

With Fahim Ashraf also a certainty for the final eleven and Shadab Khan in support, England may find anxious moments too to tackle them.

Lest we forget that recently England have not only lost the Ashes but also were bowled out for only 58 in Auckland Test. That would obviously be playing on their minds facing Pakistan.

Pakistan’s worry no doubt is their vulnerability against the moving ball and that if sorted out by their experienced batsmen such as Azhar and Asad, Pakistan may stand up to the test to surprise many.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2018