DUBAI, Sept 11: England are a very dangerous side at the moment and Pakistan might struggle against them in the upcoming home series, according to Wasim Akram.

“England have been playing good cricket these days and they will be coming to Pakistan high on confidence after a big Ashes series,” the former Pakistan captain said on Sunday.

“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, is a different side. They are much more mentally strong and that matters,” said Wasim, who was in Dubai for a private visit.

Wasim rejected the notion that England, whose tour begins on Oct 26, might be exhausted after the nerve-racking Ashes series against Australia. “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.”

Paying tribute to England’s four-man pace attack, Wasim said they all knew how to reverse swing the ball at good speed. “I don’t think their pacers will struggle in Pakistan since the weather will be cold and nice.”—Reuters