Keep Babar away from English media, ex-Pakistan captain’s advice ahead of tour

Pakistan is preparing for a three-match Test series in England, starting on August 19, according to the information provided. Former captain Rashid Latif has offered a unique piece of advice to the team management regarding their media engagements abroad. Latif suggests that Babar Azam, the current Test captain, should be kept away from the English media.

Instead, he recommends sending experienced former captain Shan Masood to interact with the press more frequently. Latif's suggestion stems from his belief that the English media tends to overinvolve visiting teams in their stories. The Pakistan team management will consider Latif's proposal as they prepare for their upcoming tour.

This will be the first Test series held in England for Pakistan since 2020, a period when England had not won a Test series in the country since 1996. The last time Pakistan secured a win in England came during a five-Test series in 1996, marking their third consecutive triumph in the country. In the past decade, Pakistan has demonstrated a strong performance in England, winning three and drawing two of their nine Tests played in the country.

England, meanwhile, is set to embark on its first Test series since the retirement of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. The departure of Stokes at the end of their three-Test series against New Zealand prompted McCullum's dismissal as the England Test coach. However, McCullum retains his position in England's white-ball squad. Star batsman Joe Root has now taken over as the England Test captain, succeeding Stokes.

Furthermore, Stephen Fleming, a former New Zealand teammate of McCullum, has been appointed as the new head coach of the England white-ball team.