England will have to overcome ‘rocking hot conditions’ to beat Pakistan, admits Brendon McCullum as head coach reveals the real ‘challenge’ facing his side in three-match series

Brendon McCullum has warned England to expect ‘rocking hot’ conditions as they embark on their three-match series in Pakistan with a seam attack unaccustomed to the Asian heat.

Temperatures of 35 degrees were expected for the first day in Multan – almost 10 higher than the seasonal average. 

And with that figure likely to rise for next week’s second Test here, England will have to manage their fast-bowling resources carefully.

Their tour of Pakistan two years ago took place in December, when wintry temperatures necessitated extra layers in the morning. 

But even the locals have found it a challenge to play Tests here earlier in the year: against Bangladesh in late August 2001, Multan-born Inzamam-ul-Haq retired with dehydration.

England cricket head coach Brendon McCullum warns of extra-hot conditions ahead of three-match test with Pakistan

McCullum says England’s seam attack will have to adapt to unseasonably high temperatures

‘It’s rocking hot compared to 20 degrees last time we came here,’ said McCullum, speaking in the shade of a sightscreen. ‘The challenge of the overheads is probably more important than the surface.

‘It’s acknowledging that and trying to do all the right things in terms of keeping guys’ core temperatures down. But we’re confident we’ll get that under control.’

Asked whether England were concerned about fielding a seam attack in which only Chris Woakes has any experience of Asia McCullum replied: ‘Harmison, Hoggard and Flintoff weren’t available, so we went with what we think is a really exciting, varied attack.

‘Gus Atkinson has been a revelation, Chris Woakes has been superb and Brydon Carse looks like he’s got something with a little bit of X-factor.’

McCullum played down the absence of bowling coach Jimmy Anderson, who has been playing in a pro-am golf tournament in St Andrews and won’t reach Multan until the second day.

‘In the world we live in now the communication is easy, right?’ he said. ‘He’s been in regular contact with the guys. 

‘We have no concerns Jimmy is over there swinging the clubs. I thought he’d miss the cut and get here earlier, but he’s playing a little bit better.’

England bowling coach Jimmy Anderson (centre) is yet to join McCullum’s men in Pakistan

England’s Jamie Smith prepares for action in a final session in the nets in Multan, Pakistan

McCullum heaped praised on all-rounder Chris Woakes, among other stand-out performers, including Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse

England captain Ollie Pope (right) and Pakistan captain Shan Masood (left) talk ahead of their First Test cricket match, which begins on Monday

Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Shan Masood has admitted that England’s Bazball approach has ‘had an effect on the world’.

He added: ‘Sometimes we get too caught up in set ways of doing things. The best thing England have done is realise there are other perspectives and things that might suit you.

‘The key is to find new ways of doing things. That is how the world has always progressed and cricket is no different. You try to evolve, and England have been pioneers in that.’