Having completed one of his main goals in regaining the Ashes this summer, England captain Alastair Cook is backing his side to create history when they begin their winter travels against Pakistan in the UAE.

Pakistan, have not lost in any of the eight series they have competed in the Middle East with England’s only visit ending in a 3-0 defeat back in 2012.

With a challenge against spin awaiting them, Cook is backing his team to emerge victorious from one of their toughest tours.

“I’m really excited about the squad of players that has been picked,” he said.

“I think the side can get better and better. The challenge is winning away from home, especially in modern international cricket.

“I just feel the balance of the squad we have got the chance of doing something very special over the next few years.

“Yes, there will be some tough moments but with the talent and potential I think it’s an exciting time.”

Cook is one of five players returning to the UAE after the dismal tour in 2012, with Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Ian Bell and Steven Finn the other survivors.

And premier fast bowler Anderson is looking for the side to adapt to subcontinent conditions quicker and utilise the lessons learned from 2012.

“I remember the last time we went there we got beat 3-0 and it was a difficult tour for us,” Anderson said.

“This time we know it’s going to be tough and for a lot of the guys who have not played much it is going to be alien conditions.

“It’s going to take a bit of getting used to; quicker when we get out there. I think it is useful that we’ve got guys who have got experience out there and of how they’re going to play against us.

“We are going to hopefully carry on some of the form we have shown over the summer and keep improving through the winter.

“I think it is probably the most exciting team I’ve been involved in since I’ve started playing for England,” he said.

“The amount of talent there is in the dressing room is frightening really. Some of the guys like Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Joe Root, Mark Wood – what they could go on to achieve is quite scary because they are some of the most talented cricketers that I’ve ever seen.

“It’s really great that us senior guys can be around and try and let them settle in to their Test careers. It’s a really exciting time.”

 

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