England v Pakistan Test Match Series 2026

Looks like a fair bit of weather around days 1-2 on some models, not a lot on others. Any rain should be showery though, so luck is going to play a big part in what they get at the ground.

At last we can get back to some proper cricket instead of our top players dikking around in pyjamas for a month when the sun was shining.

And what do ya know, there could be rain about to interrupt proceedings
One hopes that stoppages due to the weather will be at a minimum, but if rain should ruin the game then the ECB will have got exactly what they deserve having ruined the cricketing schedule for most of us. Going from weeks of slogging in a meaningless competition straight in to a 5 day test match is crazy.

From a cricket lovers point of view I just hope that the weather stays fair for this series as well as the resumption of the County Championship which is as wide open as i can remember and was really building up a head of steam when forced to take the enforced break courtesy of the wretched Hundred.

Despite the poor preparation, England should win this series comfortably against a modest Pakistan side, but the visitors do at least have the advantage of having played two tests in the West Indies recently, so should be ready to go.

Picking Pope and Lawrence does not give me confidence in the new regime... Maybe Mike Brearley's due a recall?

Surely Derek Pringle must be in contention

Ooh, yes, he was good in the 1991 Headingley Test.

Good news for England, shame for cricket lovers who like to see decent players - Babar Azam is out of the first test with a hand injury picked up in a warm up game.

He is their captain and best batsman

love test cricket, this after bangers fantastic win v aus, and a thriller in prospect on the final day ind v s lanka

yes good to have proper cricket back.

not sure of joe root as captain though- we shall see

Wicket first ball for Robinson. Swung, moved off the seam lbw, completely deceived the batter who in turn played late.

Great start, good toss to win, conditions bowler friendly.

Could easily be 3 or 4 more before lunch.

Why do we have to endure the foreign 'call centre 'female commentator,it does my head in.

She is awful.


Another lbw for Robinson.

Aug 19, 2026 -- 11:09AM, BESTMATE44 wrote:

Why do we have to endure the foreign 'call centre 'female commentator,it does my head in.

Urooj Umtaaz? Ive listened to her for a while. She has been on the mike for awhile now. I understand she is a dentist as well.

Looking at the forecast, the rest of the 1st Day at Leeds looks fine weather wise. Pakistan might be battling to bat out the day at 28/2.

Urooj Umtaaz? Ive listened to her for a while. She has been on the mike for awhile now. I understand she is a dentist as well.




I think she is just filling in

Boom boom.

And Pakistan 1st innings at one stage was trading on the spreads for above 300.5 runs, might struggle to get 200+ now.

12 plus wickets on day one...just the usual then.

I see that the 'call centre' commentator is on nice and early.Please Sky bring back Bumble,he has served his time!

The rains on it's way again

Bumble thinks that young Flintoff should be in the England squad so he should remain sectioned imo