England Cricket Team
England to look for Bridging gap with New Zealand in the series against Pakistan. Credit: Getty Images

England Cricket team would be looking to close in on fourth-placed New Zealand in the MRF Tyres ICC Test Team Rankings in an upcoming two-Test home series, while Pakistan could overtake England if they pull off victories in both matches.

Meanwhile, the Test series commences on May 24 at Lord ’s and moves to Headingley on June 1.

A 2-0 win will lift England to 101 points and will be within one point from the Kiwis. On the other hand, Pakistan will lose six points with the same verdict and will slip to 81.

A 1-0 series win will see England gain one point and reach 99 while Pakistan will be on 83 points, four points below their present tally of 87 points.

However, England will lose one point, and Pakistan will gain one if the series ends in a draw. A 1-0 series win will lift Pakistan by six points to 93 points and just one point below England, while a 2-0 result will see them overtake England to reach 95 points.

James Anderson has a chance to seize back the top position in the Test bowlers' rankings
Credit: Getty Images

Series scenarios:

  • England win 2-0 – England 101 points, Pakistan 81
  • England win 1-0 – England 99, Pakistan 83
  • Drawn series – England 97, Pakistan 88
  • Pakistan win 1-0 – England 94, Pakistan 93
  • Pakistan win 2-0 – Pakistan 95, England 93
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In the MRF Tyres ICC Test Player Rankings, England captain Joe Root is the leading batsman from either side at the third position. He will look to close the gap of 45 points with India captain, Virat Kohli (912).

Wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow (13th), experienced opener Alastair Cook (16th) and all-rounder Ben Stokes (25th) are their other leading batsmen.

The seaming home conditions will also give fast bowler James Anderson a chance to seize back the top position, as only six points separate him from South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, while 12th-ranked Stuart Broad would be looking to move into the top ten.

Pakistan could overtake England in the team rankings if they pull off victories in both matches at Lord’s and Headingley
Credit: Getty Images

Pakistan opener Azhar Ali (12th) will look to regain a place in the top 10. Pacemen Mohammad Assad (29th) and Mohammad Amir (37th) would be relishing the prospect of playing in English conditions after tuning up well for the series including a good account in the Dublin Test.

Series schedule:

24-28 May – 1st Test, Lord’s, London

1-5 June – 2nd Test, Headingley, Leeds

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