'We don't underestimate Pakistan's class batting line-up' - Zak Crawley on England's mindset heading into Test series

Zak Crawley asserted that England are not going to underestimate Pakistan's “class” batting line-up ahead of the three-match Test series. The first Test gets underway on Monday, October 7, at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan.

Crawley missed the Test series between England and Sri Lanka after injuring his finger during the preceding series against the West Indies. The right-handed batter has recovered in time for the high-voltage series against Pakistan and he will have to play an important role for the Three Lions at the top of the order along with Ben Duckett.

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Shan Masood-led Pakistan suffered a humiliating 0-2 defeat in the recently-concluded Test series at home against Bangladesh. However, Crawley said that England aren't taking Shan Masood's men lightly as they look to repeat their heroics from 2022 when they whitewashed Pakistan in a three-match series.

“As a batter myself, I know that form comes and goes, but class never leaves you. That batting line-up of Pakistan is a class batting line-up. We don’t underestimate them. There are guys in there who can take the game away from you. So, we are going to be at our best to get them out and win the series,” Crawley said during a press conference.

I'd never say Babar Azam is out of form: Zak Crawley

Legendary Pakistan batter Babar Azam has been under fire after scoring just 64 runs in four outings against Bangladesh. However, Crawley lauded the former Pakistan captain's batting prowess and said that his bowlers will have to work hard to get him out.

“I would never say that Babar Azam is out of form. The way he plays is beautiful, he is a graceful player. He’s a class act and we have to be at our best to get him out,” he told.

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Crawley performed quite well during England's last Test series in Pakistan in 2022 as he amassed 235 runs at an average of 39.16 and a strike-rate of 91.79 with a top score of 122 to his name. The 26-year-old will look to put on a solid show in the upcoming series against the Asian giants.