England vs. Pakistan prediction, team news, pitch report and betting tips for 1st test

Joe Root returns to the England captaincy and Headingley offers him a fittingly symbolic stage for his second act as England take on Pakistan.

Ben Stokes has retired, taking with him the balance he provided across bat and ball, while Root inherits a side still searching for identity after a bruising summer against New Zealand.

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Pakistan's Caribbean triumph ended a miserable run without an away win and Babar Azam's troublesome hand has dominated the build-up.

England vs. Pakistan Prediction: Who Will Win?

England come into this series as deserved favourites, with conditions at Headingley only strengthening their case.

Home advantage has counted for plenty here down the years, and England's fast-bowling depth gives them several routes to unsettle Pakistan's top order. Jofra Archer has returned to something like his best, and his pace should trouble a batting line-up containing three left-handers who haven't always looked entirely comfortable against extreme speed.

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Root's experience carries weight too. He has faced this Pakistan attack many times before and has done well. Root averages 53.11 against the South Asian side, scoring 1487 matches across 18 matches.

Pakistan showed genuine fight in the Caribbean, and Mohammad Abbas could cause problems if the ball swings. But England's greater firepower should prove decisive, and a home win looks the likely outcome.

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England vs. Pakistan Pitch Report 1st Test: Headingley, Leeds

Head-to-Head in Tests: England vs. Pakistan

England vs. Pakistan Betting Tips for 1st Test

Here is our favourite betting angle for the England vs Pakistan:

Root has been the most important player in Test matches and the England captain will be looking to extend that.

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England vs. Pakistan Lineups, Team News for 1st Test

Here's how both sides are likely to line up in this game:

England predicted lineup to play Pakistan

Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (c), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson , Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue

Pakistan predicted lineup to play England

Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Azan Awais, Babar Azam (c), Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Aamer Jamal, Sajid Khan, Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali

England vs. Pakistan Odds: Who is the favourite for the 1st Test?

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How to watch England vs. Pakistan 1st test match: Live Stream, TV Channel

Here is all the key information for how to watch England vs. Pakistan 1st Test:

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