Pakistan are set to host England for a three-match Test series, with the first Test beginning on Monday, October 7, at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Both teams find themselves in challenging positions as they strive to remain in contention for a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Pakistan, fresh from a disappointing 0-2 home defeat to Bangladesh in September, will be eager to bounce back. On the other hand, England are riding high after a successful home summer but faces critical squad changes for the tour. The first two matches of the series will be played in Multan, while the third and final Test will take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 24.

Key challenges for Pakistan

Pakistan’s recent 0-2 defeat to Bangladesh has dented their hopes in the WTC race. Although Pakistan welcomes back their star pacer Shaheen Afridi, who missed the second Test against Bangladesh, the team faces fitness concerns. Several speculations regarding the squad’s cohesion were dismissed by Pakistani players, and Shan Masood reiterated that the team is fresh and ready for the challenge. Managing the workload of their pacers and addressing the team’s overall fitness have been priority areas for Pakistan’s management. In this high-pressure series, Pakistan will look to draw inspiration from previous comebacks and maintain consistency to improve their WTC standing.

England’s squad and Ben Stokes’ absence

England will face a significant challenge as they enter the series without their regular captain, Ben Stokes. Stokes has been ruled out of the first Test due to a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since August. Ollie Pope, who stepped in as captain during the home summer, will continue to lead the side in Stokes’ absence. Despite missing Stokes, England have selected a well-balanced XI that includes a debutant, a bold move considering they lost their last Test without their talismanic captain. England will look to secure a series win to keep their slim hopes alive for a WTC final berth. However, they must also rely on other favorable results to stay in the race.

Also READ: Stuart Broad confident of England’s ‘Bazball’ approach in upcoming Test Series against Pakistan

Pakistan vs England, Test Series Fixtures:

• October 7 -11: 1st Test, Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan – 10 am Local Time / 5 am GMT / 10.30 am IST
• October 15 -19: 2nd Test, Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan – 10 am Local Time / 5 am GMT / 10.30 am IST
• October 24 – 28: 3rd Test, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi – 10 am Local Time / 5 am GMT / 10.30 am IST

Squads:

Pakistan: Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (v), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), and Shaheen Shah Afridi

England: Ben Stokes (c), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.

Broadcast and Live Streaming details:

• Pakistan: PTV Sports, A Sports and Geo Super; Tamasha and Tapmad
• UK: Sky Sports
• Australia: Fox Sports
• India: Fancode
• Mena & South East Asia: Cricbuzz
• Bangladesh: T Sports
• USA & Canada: Sling TV – Willow TV [Sign up here]

Also READ: “It’s been an honour to lead this team, but…”: Babar resigns as Pakistan white-ball captain