Pakistan enter the two-Test series against England with the knowledge that they are not being seen as the favourites to win the series. An inexperienced side led by Sarfraz Ahmed have a mountain to climb as they take on Joe Root’s England in the first Test which begins on Thursday.

Pakistan came to close to defeat in the one-off Test against Ireland in Dublin, leading to talk of imminent defeat in the two Tests against England.

And while many believe England will prevail in the series, here are three reasons why Pakistan can taste success.

NO PRESSURE OF EXPECTATION

This is where Pakistan are at their most dangerous. Whenever critics or opposition write them off, Pakistan invariably put in their best effort.

They have never been short on talent, in any format. This time as well, they have some gifted players – batsmen and bowlers – even though experience and combination might be an issue. However, since England themselves aren’t a world-beating Test team at the moment, Pakistan could spring a surprise if a session or two go their way.

UNCERTAINTY AND RUST IN ENGLAND CAMP

England’s last Test campaign was a 1-0 loss to New Zealand that came on the back of a 4-0 loss in the Ashes early in the year. The tour Down Under proved to be a harrowing experience of the England Test team and dangerous team like Pakistan in a short two-match series can be very tricky.

Short Test series can go either way very quickly. One bad session and teams generally find it difficult to make a comeback. And also, England haven’t played any international cricket since February, which means their players have been tested at the highest level for a long time. Even star names like Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler have just returned from IPL duty.

PAKISTAN IN TEST MODE

Pakistan, on the other hand, have been preparing for the Test series for a month now. They have played three warm-up matches, with the one-off Test against Ireland nestled in between. And that Test turned out to be extremely competitive.

Sarfraz’s boys have been adjusting to English conditions for a month and should be as prepared for Test cricket as they can be. Whenever the opposition spends so much time in a country before a series, they hit the ground running once the series starts. England should not expect any ‘warm-up’ time.