ENG vs PAK 1st Test, Cricket Tips: Pakistan are all set to lock horns with England in a three-match Test series. The first test between these sides will begin at 3:30 PM IST on August 19 (Wednesday) at Headingley in Leeds.
Babar Azam was hit on his right hand during the practice match against England Select XI, and his availablity is a concern for the visitors. If he is not fit, Pakistan will be under immense pressure, because Babar played a key role in West Indies.
For England, it is the start of the new era under captain Joe Root and head coach Stephen Fleming. This is the first assignment for this duo, and they would like to start with a win.
ENG vs PAK: Match Details
- Date: August 19-23, 2026 (Wednesday-Sunday)
- Time: 3:30 PM IST
- Venue: Headingley, Leeds
ENG vs PAK: Live Streaming Details
The live action of the upcoming ENG vs PAK test series will be available on the Sony Sports Networks, whereas the live stream of the game will be available on the Sony LIV app or website.
ENG vs PAK: Head-to-Head in Tests
- Total Matches: 92
- England: 30
- Pakistan: 23
- Drawn: 39
ENG vs PAK: Ground Pitch Report
The wicket at Headingley is good for fast bowling. This surface has good covering of grass, making it ideal for the fast bowlers. The forecast also shows overcast conditions, making it more impactful for the bowling side. It will be difficult to chase here, and both captains might look to bat first.
ENG vs PAK: Possible XIs
England: Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (C), Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Dan Lawrence, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir
Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (c), Md. Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Sajid Khan, Md. Abbas, Mohammad Ali
ENG vs PAK: Player to Watch Out For
Probable Best Batter
Ben Duckett has great numbers in Leeds, and he is coming off a successful season of the Hundred Men's 2026. For Pakistan, captain Babar Azam will be key. But if he doesn't play, Shan Masood will have a big role because of his county experience.
Probable Best Bowler
Jofra Archer likes bowling fast, and he will trouble Pakistan in these conditions. For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas will be the one to watch out for, because he plays a lot in English county cricket.
Today Match Prediction: England have the conditions on their side, and we predict them to win this game.
ENG vs PAK Match 1st Test, Today Match ENG vs PAK, ENG vs PAK Prediction, ENG vs PAK Predicted XIs, Injury Update for England vs Pakistan Match
Also Read: Live Cricket Score
Disclaimer: The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.