Test cricket resumes on English soil this week as a three-match series against Pakistan gets underway on Wednesday morning.
The iconic Headingley Stadium hosts the opening encounter, which is also the first since Joe Root’s permanent re-appointment as captain following Ben Stokes’ shock international retirement at Trent Bridge vs New Zealand
Speaking of the Kiwis, Stephen Fleming has also replaced fellow countryman Brendon McCullum as head coach, though the new man will not be in charge for this series – with Marcus Trescothick taking the reins on a temporary basis.
It is all change for England, while Pakistan will be captained by Salman Ali Agha for this match at least after designated skipper Babar Azam suffered a finger injury in one of the warm-up matches – a big blow for the visitors.
But we should still be in for another cracking series to finish off the summer, and here is our full sports betting preview for the First Test, which features the latest cricket odds from the NetBet Sport platform.
Where can I watch England vs Pakistan in the UK?
England vs Pakistan will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket, with play scheduled to begin at 11am UK time on each day.
England vs Pakistan Preview
Recent results
After the fiasco of the Ashes Down Under, England lost 2-1 to New Zealand in their first series of the summer. Curfew madness, Stokes’ retirement and McCullum’s inevitable sacking summed up a chaotic 12 months within the Three Lions’ setup. Now the onus is on bouncing back against a Pakistan side capable of springing a surprise.
Pakistan suffered a 2-0 series defeat to Bangladesh in May, but then drew 1-1 with West Indies away from home – winning the second match in Port of Spain by eight wickets.
The last time Pakistan visited England for a Test series was way back in 2020, with the Three Lions eventually winning 1-0 in COVID-impacted settings.
Team news
England Squad: Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue.
Pakistan Squad: Babar Azam (captain), Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Fazal, Aamer Jamal, Salman Agha, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Ubaid Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Sajid Khan, Ali Usman.
From an England perspective, Cox is expected to replace the injured Jacob Bethell as the designated No3, while Lawrence should slot in at No6 to fill the all-rounder role vacated by the seemingly irreplaceable Stokes. Archer, Atkinson, Robinson and Tongue could make up a formidable four-man pace attack, with the aforementioned Lawrence and Root providing spin options.
England vs Pakistan Odds
*All odds are subject to change
England are clear favourites to win the first match of the series, priced at 1.52. A Pakistan victory is at odds of 3.68, while the draw is 5.90.
England vs Pakistan Betting Tips
Ben Duckett to score a 50 in the match – Yes @ 1.85
Duckett enjoyed a fairly successful campaign with Trent Rockets in The Hundred 2026, despite losing out to Manchester Super Giants in the final. The opening batsman was the fourth-highest run scorer (337) and now returns to a ground which he has previously thrived at in the Test arena. Duckett averages 59.00 from four previous innings at Headingley, tallying two 50+ scores in that time.
1st innings Pakistan top bowler – Mohammad Abbas @ 3.25
Abbas is the bowler who can cause England’s top order all sorts of problems. The 36-year-old is not quick by any means, but his relentless accuracy, ability to find swing and awesome control helps to make him a lethal operator. Abbas averages 23.23 with the ball in Test cricket, taking 110 wickets from just 29 matches. Furthermore, he has a vast amount of experience in English conditions after his endeavours in County Cricket, which should serve him very well in this series.
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