Pakistan vs England – PAK vs ENG 1st Test, Cricket Match Prediction, Where To Watch, Probable XI And Fantasy XI Tips

Pakistan are set to take on England in a long-awaited test series, for the first time at their home in the last 17 years. 

PAK vs ENG 1st Test: Match Preview:

Pakistan will look to win as they'll give it their all to make it to the World Test Championship final, where they are currently in the 5th spot with a win % of 51.85. Captain Babar Azam has been the top scorer for the Pakistan team in Tests this year, registering 661 runs in 5 matches at an average of 73.44 with 2 centuries and 4 half-centuries. Abdullah Shafique has also been terrific in tests this year, with 586 runs at an average of 73.25. Imam-ul-Haq has also scored 2 Test centuries this year with close to 500 runs this year. 

With Shaheen Afridi ruled out due to a knee injury, an inexperienced pace attack led by Naseem Shah will take on the English batters. Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr are also in line to make their debut in this series to constitute the pace department. Naseem Shah has been the joint wicket-taker in tests this year for Pakistan, grabbing 13 wickets in 4 matches. Left-arm orthodox bowler Nauman Ali has managed 10 wickets this year while Mohammad Nawaz has taken 10 wickets in just 3 matches, and can trouble English batters on spin-friendly Pakistan tracks. 

Under the new leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, English batters have shown 'Bazzball' this year, a remodelled approach has been adopted in batting. England have won six of their last seven tests at home and are coming in with great form. While England will miss Jonny Bairstow, who has been their top scorer this year, Joe Root will head the batting. The former captain has scored 973 runs in 12 matches this year with 5 centuries to his name. Ben Stokes has scored 697 runs this year with 2 tons and 4 half-centuries, while opener Zak Crawley has also struck 609 runs in 12 matches. 

England's top-wicket taker in tests this year has also been rested for the series. With Stuart Broad out and Mark Wood getting injured, the English bowling will be led by James Anderson. Anderson has picked up 28 wickets in just 7 tests this year. Anderson was also part of the England team which toured Pakistan 15 years ago and will be hopeful for a strong return. Ollie Robinson will handle the pace department with Anderson, and has picked up 14 wickets in 3 matches. Jamie Overton can play as the 3rd pacer, while Jack Leach and 18-year-old Rehan Ahmed will play a pivotal role on the spin-friendly Pakistan pitches. Ben Stokes has also picked up 25 wickets in 12 Tests in 2022. 

PAK vs ENG 1st Test: Match Details

• Date – Thursday, December 01, 2022
• Time – 10:00 AM IST
• Venue – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today's Cricket Match? PAK vs ENG 1st Test

With home advantage on one side and impressive form on the other, the 1st test between Pakistan and England is expected to be a close contest. 

PAK vs ENG Head-to-Head:

• Total – 86
• Pakistan – 21
• England – 26
• Draw – 39

PAK vs ENG 1st Test: Where to Watch?

The test series between Pakistan and England will be broadcasted by Sony Sports Network in India, while the viewers can watch the game on OTT platform Sony Liv. 

PAK vs ENG 1st Test Team News:

• Pakistan – Pakistan are missing their ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi who is out of the series due to a knee injury.
• England – Pacer Mark Wood has been ruled out of the series due to an injury. 

PAK vs ENG 1st Test Probable Playing XI:

• Pakistan – Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Nauman Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
• England – Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Liam Livingstone, Jack Leach, Ollie Robinson, Jimmy Anderson

Also Read: Roston Chase Picks Up His All-Time XI, Includes 3 Indians

PAK vs ENG 1st Test Fantasy XI:

• Wicket-keepers – Ben Foakes, Mohammad Rizwan
• Batters – Babar Azam, Azhar Ali, Joe Root (c), Ben Duckett 
• All-rounders – Ben Stokes (vc)
• Bowlers – James Anderson, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah