England will host Pakistan in the opening Test of Pakistan’s 2026 tour of England at Headingley, Leeds, from 19 to 23 August. Joe Root is taking on the role of full-time captain for the first time since 2022. This marks England’s first Test series since Ben Stokes stepped down, and the hosts will aim to make a strong start on home soil.
Meanwhile, the availability of skipper Babar Azam remains uncertain after he sustained a finger injury during the second Test against the West Indies. In 2026 so far, they have played four Tests, initially suffering a surprising 2-0 defeat to hosts Bangladesh. This was followed by a 1-1 series draw against the West Indies.
Also Read: Babar Azam uncertain to play in series opener against England
ENG vs PAK Match Details – 1st Test
- Match: England vs Pakistan, 1st Test
- Date: 19th-23rd August 2026
- Time: 3:30 PM IST
- Venue: Headingley, Leeds
- Live Streaming: Sony LIV
ENG vs PAK Pitch Report – Headingley
The Headingley wicket is a classic English pitch that provides both pace and bounce early in the game. Fast Bowlers who can swing the ball and extract seam movement will find plenty of opportunities here.
ENG vs PAK Weather Report – Leeds
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ENG vs PAK Recent Form
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ENG vs PAK Head-to-Head Test Record (Last 10 matches)
ENG vs PAK Match Prediction Scenarios – 1st Test
Scenario 1 – If PAK bats first
- 1st 10 Overs: 25–30 runs
- First Innings Total: 200–220 runs expected
- Result Prediction: England win
Scenario 2 – If ENG bats first
- 1st 10 Overs: 35–40 runs
- First Innings Total: 300–350 runs expected
- Result Prediction: England win
ENG vs PAK: Key Battles
- Imam-ul-Haq vs Jofra Archer
- Ben Duckett vs Mohammad Ali
- Saud Shakeel vs Ollie Robinson
ENG vs PAK: Toss Prediction
- Bats first: 45%
- Bats second: 55%
ENG vs PAK Probable Playing XI
England (ENG)
Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (C), Harry Brook, Daniel Lawrence, Jamie Smith (WK), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue.
Pakistan (PAK)
Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awaiz, Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Awais Zafar, Salman Ali Agha (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Aamer Jamal, Sajid Khan, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali
Read Also: Joe Root Reveals England’s Test Vision After Captaincy Return, Bazball to Continue
Who Will Win ENG vs PAK Today? – 1st Test
Based on current form, team balance, and superior batting strength, England are the favourites to win this 1st Test. Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jofra Archer are expected to be the key performers.