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Pakistan are set to begin a challenging three-match Test series against England when the two sides lock horns in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, from August 19. The series will be an important assignment for both teams in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with Pakistan entering the contest after drawing their two-Test series against the West Indies 1-1.
The visitors have plenty of experience in their squad, but their preparations have been disrupted by fitness concerns surrounding captain Babar Azam and Shan Masood. Babar suffered a blow to his right hand during the warm-up game against the Professional County Club Select XI and is set to undergo a final assessment before Pakistan make a call on his availability. Shan, meanwhile, has returned to training after recovering from a finger injury.
With that in mind, here is Pakistan’s predicted playing XI for the first Test at Headingley.
Abdullah Shafique could return to the top of Pakistan’s Test batting order after being added to the squad as a replacement for the injured Abdullah Fazal. The right-hander brings valuable experience at the international level and is likely to partner Imam-ul-Haq at the top.
His ability to leave the ball outside off and occupy the crease could be particularly important against England’s seam attack in the opening stages.
Imam-ul-Haq looks set to retain his place at the top of the order. The left-hander provided an encouraging sign during Pakistan’s warm-up game, scoring 80 against the County Select XI.
His temperament will be tested by England’s new-ball attack, particularly under the traditionally demanding conditions at Headingley.
Shan Masood is expected to return to the XI after recovering from his finger injury. The Pakistan batter missed the second Test against the West Indies but has resumed batting practice in Leeds and is considered likely to be available for the opener.
His experience of playing in English conditions could make him a valuable presence in Pakistan’s top order.
The biggest selection question revolves around Babar Azam. The Pakistan captain has been named to lead the side in England, but his participation in the Headingley Test remains uncertain following the hand injury sustained during the warm-up fixture.
Babar did return to batting practice at Headingley, but Pakistan have confirmed that the final decision will be based on medical advice. If cleared, he should walk into the XI at No. 4.
Saud Shakeel is another player who appears certain to feature if fit. He made an excellent statement ahead of the series by scoring a century in the warm-up game against the County Select XI.
His compact technique and ability to play spin could make him one of Pakistan’s most dependable middle-order batters.
Mohammad Rizwan is expected to take responsibility behind the stumps while also providing solidity in the middle order. His ability to counterattack when required makes him an important part of Pakistan’s batting unit.
With England expected to attack Pakistan aggressively, Rizwan’s ability to absorb pressure and rotate the strike could prove crucial.
Salman Ali Agha should provide Pakistan with valuable balance at No. 7. The all-rounder can contribute with both bat and ball, giving captain Babar an additional option during long spells.
His off-spin could also become particularly useful if the Headingley surface begins to offer assistance to slower bowlers.
Aamer Jamal is likely to get the nod as Pakistan’s pace-bowling all-rounder. His ability to bowl useful seam-up deliveries while contributing runs down the order gives Pakistan greater depth.
In English conditions, his role could become even more important because Pakistan may want to operate with four seam-bowling options.
Mohammad Abbas could be Pakistan’s most important bowler at Headingley. The veteran seamer has extensive experience of English conditions through his county career and has built a reputation around accuracy, movement and relentless pressure. He impressed during the recent warm-up match as well.
His ability to move the ball both ways without relying on extreme pace makes him an ideal bowler for English conditions.
Mohammad Ali is another strong candidate for the pace attack. He impressed alongside Abbas in the warm-up match and claimed three wickets, underlining his readiness for the series.
His height and ability to generate movement could make him a difficult proposition for England’s batters.
Khurram Shahzad completes the predicted pace attack. He was included in Pakistan’s England squad alongside Abbas, Mohammad Ali and Ubaid Shah, with the selectors opting for a group of seamers suited to the conditions.
Given Headingley’s reputation for assisting seam bowling, Pakistan could prefer three specialist fast bowlers alongside Aamer Jamal and Salman Ali Agha rather than selecting a specialist spinner.
Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (c), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad
Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (c), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir
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