Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has taken a swipe at Pakistan ahead of its three-match Test series against England, calling it a “poor side” and predicting a comfortable 3-0 win for the hosts.

Speaking on the For The Love Of Cricket podcast, Broad acknowledged the individual quality in Pakistan’s squad but questioned the strength of the team as a whole.

“Yes, they’ve still got Babar Azam. They’ve got Mohammad Abbas, who’s come back into the side, who’s 36. But they’re a poor side. They’re not really a good side,” Broad said.

“You would imagine and you would think that England should win 3-0 and pretty comfortably,” he added.

Stuart Broad said, "Pakistan are a poor side. England should win 3-0 and pretty comfortably." (The Love for Cricket Podcast) pic.twitter.com/Jh9J5J4zaW

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) August 19, 2026

Pakistan’s task has become more difficult after Babar Azam was ruled out of the opening Test at Headingley with a right-hand injury. The newly reinstated captain was struck on the hand during the warm-up game against a PCC Select XI at Beckenham, with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed later confirming his absence.

The series also marks a new era for England following the departure of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. Joe Root has returned as captain, while Marcus Trescothick is serving as interim coach before Stephen Fleming takes charge.

England enters the series seventh in the World Test Championship standings, one place above eighth-ranked Pakistan.

Broad also highlighted veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas, who has taken more than 300 County Championship wickets across spells with Leicestershire, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. His accuracy and seam movement could make him a major threat in English conditions.

However, England’s recent form raises questions over Broad’s confident prediction. It has lost seven of its last nine Tests and has not won a series since December 2024.

England will also have an inexperienced option at No. 3 after Jacob Bethell was ruled out with a knee injury. Jordan Cox, who has played only one Test, is set to take the position.

Pakistan, meanwhile, has enjoyed recent success against England, winning the 2024 home series 2-1 and recording a 3-0 series victory in Pakistan in 2022. It also enters the contest after a series-leveling Test win in the Caribbean.

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