Azhar upbeat about England tour amid added challenge of Covid-19.

Byline: Mohammad Yaqoob

LAHORE -- Despite facing the threat of coronavirus pandemic other than on-field challenges, Pakistan's Test captain Azhar Ali on Saturday hoped the upcoming tour of England will progress smoothly and his boys will do their best to repeat the fine performances the country produced on their last two tours to England.

'All the players are excited and confident for the England tour. Though a tour to England has always been challenging our performances there on the last two tours [in 2016 and 2018] are encouraging and we will try to repeat those,' Azhar told reporters during an online media talk held soon after a 20-member national squad was announced for the tour.

Pakistan are scheduled to play three Tests and as many T20 Internationals on the tour during August-September.

In 2016, Pakistan led by Misbah-ul-Haq drew 2-2 in a four-Test series against England in their own backyard. And then Sarfaraz Ahmad-captained Pakistan drew a two-match rubber in England 1-1 in 2018.

Due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic that has affected many parts of the globe including Pakistan and England, the Pakistan squad is leaving for England on Sunday, five weeks before the start of the Test series. Azhar, a veteran of 78 Tests, and his team upon reaching England will complete a 14-day quarantine and then undergo camp training before the opening Test.

The PCB could not hold the training camp in Pakistan because of the rising number of coronavirus cases across the country during June.

Right-handed Azhar, who has been struggling to regain batting form and to prove himself a vibrant Test captain, said though England and Pakistan teams would face off in empty stadiums, their fans would be enjoying the contests on their TV sets.

'Pakistan will definitely miss the support of their own fans in England, as it is unfortunate that the matches are being held without spectators. The world sports has to operate under such circumstances for some more time. [Hopefully] it will end soon,' the 35-year-old Azhar said.

Azhar, who regained Test captaincy in place of struggling Sarfaraz Ahmad last year, has so far led Pakistan in six Test matches, losing three and winning two of them - both at home against a lowly Bangladesh and an under-strength Sri Lanka - while one Test ended as draw.

'The prevailing conditions in England will guide us in making the strategy for the matches, as weather has had a positive impact on playing conditions that vary during the...