Jos Buttler looks forward to ultimate challenge against Pakistan in historic T20 tour

England landed in Pakistan on Thursday for their first tour of the country in 17 years and captain Jos Buttler said he expects his injury-hit T20 side to embrace the challenge of facing a strong Pakistan team in the seven-match series.

Security issues meant Pakistan struggled to attract visiting sides after an attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009. But tours have slowly resumed in the past few years, with England the latest. Earlier this year, Australia toured successfully for the first time in nearly a quarter of a century.

England last played in Pakistan in 2005 and were due to visit last year, but cancelled at short notice after New Zealand pulled out of a tour citing safety concerns.

With a little over a month to go for the T20 World Cup in Australia, this series will be the perfect preparation for Buttler's team against Babar Azam's side that reached the final of the Asia Cup in the UAE.

“We look forward to the tough challenge and to be battle-hardened for the World Cup after this series,” said Buttler, who will miss the first few games to recover from a calf injury.

Two of England's World Cup squad members – Liam Livingstone and Chris Jordan – are also missing this series as they recover from ankle and finger injuries respectively, while Test skipper Ben Stokes was given a rest.

Buttler said he hoped the injuries would give an opportunity to other players.

“Obviously the main aim for everyone is to turn up for Australia fully ready,” added Buttler.

“Plenty of our players featured in the PSL and shared the positive experiences of being here and about how much the public love the game.

Welcome to Pakistan, @englandcricket