Shan Masood's Pakistan are all set to kick off a three-match Test series against England on October 7, in their home ground. The series opener will be played at the Multan Stadium in Pakistan. The hosts will be eager to secure a victory on home soil and make a strong statement.
Babar Azam eyes big record
Pakistan captain Babar Azam has the opportunity to create a significant record in this match. If he manages to score 38 runs against England, he will surpass Team India captain Rohit Sharma in terms of reaching the 4000-run mark in Test cricket.
Rohit Sharma achieved the 4000-run milestone in 58 Tests and 100 innings. Babar Azam, with 3962 runs in 98 innings of 54 Test matches, is poised to break this record. The fastest 4000 runs in Test cricket history belongs to Don Bradman, who accomplished it in 31 Tests and 48 innings.
Javed Miandad's Pakistan record
Notably, legendary Pakistani batter Javed Miandad holds the record for the fastest 4000 runs in Test cricket. He achieved this milestone in 53 Tests and 84th innings.
Pakistan aim for series win against England
Pakistan Team, who is under scrutiny for their recent poor performances, is determined to secure a victory over England on home ground. The team's ambition is to clinch a 3-0 series win against the strong English side. However, achieving this goal will be a challenging task. England boasts a formidable combination of fast and slow bowlers who can pose a significant threat to the Pakistani batting lineup.
Pakistan's playing XI for the first Test against England:
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
England's playing XI for first Test against Pakistan:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.
