Pakistan and England are set to begin their much-anticipated three-match Test series tomorrow, August 19, at Headingley in Leeds, with both sides aiming for a strong start to their ICC World Test Championship campaigns.
The opening Test will run from August 19 to 23, with play scheduled to begin at 11am local time and 3pm Pakistan Standard Time. The series opener promises an intriguing contest as Pakistan return to England for a challenging red-ball assignment.
Pakistan will be led by Babar Azam, who has returned as Test captain after replacing Shan Masood. The Pakistan squad features a mixture of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, with players such as Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Abbas and Sajid Khan expected to play key roles.
England, meanwhile, enter the series under a new-look leadership setup. Joe Root has returned as Test captain following Ben Stokes’ retirement, while Marcus Trescothick is serving as interim head coach before Stephen Fleming takes over after the series. England have also made changes to their squad because of injuries, with Jordan Cox replacing Jacob Bethell.
Conditions at Headingley could prove decisive. Pakistan batter Saud Shakeel believes the hot weather in England could help the visitors’ spinners, adding another tactical dimension to the contest. Pakistan also completed a warm-up match against a County Select XI ahead of the Test.
After Leeds, the teams will travel to Lord’s for the second Test from August 27 to 31. The third and final Test will be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9 to 13.
With a new chapter beginning for both teams, all eyes will be on Headingley tomorrow as Pakistan and England renew their Test rivalry.
