England are the best, 'most feared' Test side in the world: Ian Botham

London, July 14: Former captain Sir Ian Botham today (July 14) said England are the best Test side and "most feared" in the five-day format.

'Cook could be chasing Sachin's records'

With the Alastair Cook-led English side set to play Pakistan at Lord's on Thursday in the opening Test of the four-match series, Botham said they deserved to be number one in the world.

"England are the best side in the world right now and certainly the most feared - they proved it against Australia and then beat South Africa on their own soil," Botham told "Sky Sports" ahead of the first Test today.

"England are a confident side and a very well-organised unit. I don't pay too much attention to the ranking system, they deserve to be number one in the world now," Botham, who played 102 Tests, opined.

The 60-year-old former all-rounder wrote off Pakistan's chances, stating that the visitors will not win a single Test in the four-match rubber.

"It will be an exciting series but I can't see Pakistan winning a match," Botham said, predicting a 3-0 win in favour of the home team.

England are currently 4th in ICC Test Rankings behind Australia, India and Pakistan. A 4-0 win will catapult them to 2nd spot.

Botham also felt Joe Root is the best batsman in the world at the moment. "I've no problem with Joe (Root) batting at three. All the best batsmen in world cricket bat at three - look at (Ricky) Ponting and (Viv) Richards. Joe is the best batsman in the world right now, and I'm sure he'll be fine with moving up the order," he said.

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