KARACHI, April 21: Pakistan’s preparations for the arduous tour of England this summer will begin next month when the national selectors name probables for a conditioning and training camp at Lahore.

Wasim Bari, the chairman of selectors, said on Friday that around 25 cricketers would be invited for the camp which is expected to start from May 20.

“As always our policy is to pick the best available probables on the basis of their performance and fitness during the current season,” Bari said. “After that phase concludes, the squad of 16 players would be finalised.”

Bari minced no words in stating that the forthcoming tour, which includes four Tests, five One-day Internationals and practice matches, poses a great challenge for Pakistan.

“Obviously, the playing conditions in England are going to different and the players generally find it difficult to combat at the beginning of the tour,” he stressed.

The chief selector, however, was confident that Pakistan would do well against England after winning the home series last winter.

“Beating an Ashes-winning England certainly boosted Pakistan’s confidence since they defeated India in the Test series which followed shortly afterwards.

“But Pakistan must be ready for an England backlash. After all, an injury-hit English side squared the Test series in India not long ago. We must remember England have the advantage of playing at home,” he noted.

The chairman of selectors pointed out that there were several areas where Pakistan have to work hard.

“We are still struggling to find a suitable opening pair although several players were tried out during the series against England, India and Sri Lanka. At the moment we are keeping all options open.

“Then there are question marks over the availability of Shoaib Akhtar (now recuperating from various injuries) for the all-important tour. Mohammad Sami is fighting hard to regain his place and has done well in the Pentangular Cup since then,” he remarked.

Bari indicated that the England-bound squad was likely to practice in Abbottabad where the climate is much cooler.

“I think that would a good idea to have the boys prepare for the tour in Abbottabad because the weather there is almost similar to what the team will find in England,” Bari added.