England Wary Of Slow Start Against Pakistan As Test Series Gets Under Way

This will be the visitors’ first appearance in an international match since coronavirus stoppage while for the hosts, they will look to bring their form and confidence over from the recently-concluded three-Test series against the West Indies

England know another sluggish start to a Test campaign could prove costly as they go in search of a first series win over unpredictable Pakistan in a decade.

Wednesday sees a three-match contest get underway with the first Test at Old Trafford.

And while England can point to recent series victories over most of their rivals, their last such success against Pakistan was back in 2010.

That campaign, however, was overshadowed by a ‘spot-fixing’ scandal at Lord’s which led to bans and jail terms for then Pakistan captain Salman But as well as pacemen Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir.

England have lost the first Test in eight of their last 10 series -- including during last month’s 2-1 win over the West Indies that marked international cricket’s return from the coronavirus lockdown.

This will be the visitors’ first appearance in an international match since coronavirus stoppage while for the hosts, they will look to bring their form and confidence over from the recently-concluded three-Test.