Pakistan's current tour of England has been marked by a series of crises, with poor on-field performances compounded by significant off-field issues. The team, captained by Babar Azam, is on track for a 3-0 series whitewash against an England side that had itself been experiencing a difficult period.
This performance places the current Pakistan squad among the five worst touring teams in England over the last 50 years. The assessment considers both results and the context of each tour.
Historical Context of Poor Touring Sides
Pakistan, 1978
Ranked fifth, the Pakistan team led by Wasim Bari lost the three-match series 2-0. Despite having strong individual performers like Sadiq Mohammad and Mohsin Khan, the team lacked depth. Ian Botham was particularly dominant, becoming the only player to score a Test century and take an eight-wicket haul in the same match. Pakistan's average score was 169, and they lost the first two Tests by an innings. The bowling lacked potency in the absence of Imran Khan.
India, 2011
Placed fourth, India's 2011 tour resulted in a 4-0 series loss to England. This was particularly galling for fans given the presence of established stars such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. While Dravid scored three centuries, all matches ended in defeat, with two innings losses and two by significant margins. The bowling attack faltered after an early injury to Zaheer Khan, leading to Dhoni himself bowling in one instance. The team also lost a one-off T20 international and all one-day matches during the tour.
Australia, 1985
The Australian team under Allan Border ranked third, losing the series 3-1. This tour was characterized by significant flux within the Australian squad. Despite the absence of selection restrictions faced by previous Australian sides, they struggled against an England team that, while not vintage, achieved comfortable innings victories in two matches. Key Australian players included Allan Border and a young Craig McDermott, alongside an aging Jeff Thomson.
Bangladesh, 2005
In second place is the Bangladesh team from 2005. Playing only their fifth year of Test cricket, they were convincingly defeated 2-0 by an England side that would later achieve Ashes glory. Bangladesh conceded runs at a high rate and struggled to bat for extended periods. England, despite admitting to bowling poorly in one instance, was aided by questionable shot selections from the tourists. Both Tests concluded on the third morning.
Pakistan, 2026
Topping the list is the current Pakistan side, with England leading the third Test 2-0. This tour has been marred by off-field turmoil, including the removal of the Test coach, the sacking of seven players mid-series, the resignation of a selector, and an investigation into squad conduct. On the field, the batsmen are on course to set an ignominious record, having not reached 200 in any of their completed Test innings so far. Scores have included 171, 135, 110, 194, and 133.
