Preview: England vs Pakistan 1st Test at Lords

14th July (CRICKETNMORE) - The much-anticipated England vs Pakistan series will start today when two teams will take on in the first test match at Lord's. The series is already making the headlines as it marks the return of Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir who was convicted six years ago in a match played at the same venue - Lord's

Recent records are in favour of Pakistan as they have five wins in the six Tests since 2010, and one draw. But all those matches were played in the UAE. The conditions are different and more favourable to home side England. Also check Pakistan tour of England Complete Schedule.

England are without James Anderson and Ben Stokes for this match, both due to injury, and will see the return of batsman Gary Ballance to the top order in place of Nick Compton. England pace attack will be led by Stuart Broad, while uncapped speedsters Toby Roland-Jone and Jake Ball will be vying for a debut spot. Steve Finn and Chris Woakes will make up the foursome, while Moeen Ali takes the charge of spin attack. 

Pakistan batting line up will led led by Misbah-ul-Haq, veteran Younis Khan opener Mohammad Hafiz along with Azhar Ali batsman-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed. Pakistan's bowling attack looks interesting with Amir, Wahab Riaz, Rahat Ali, and spinner Yasir Shah.

Squads

England: Alastair Cook, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Gary Ballance, Stuart Broad, Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Toby Roland-Jones, James Vince, Chris Woakes

Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez, Shan Masood, Sami Aslam, Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Younis Khan, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Zulfiqar Babar, Yasir Shah, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Rahat Ali, Imran Khan, Sohail Khan