England vs Pakistan 2020: This Is How 7th-Placed Pakistan Can Leapfrog Hosts To Move To 4th Spot In ICC Rankings

The much-anticipated three-match Test series between Pakistan and England gets underway on Wednesday (August 5). The series will mark the resumption of international cricket for Pakistan after the coronavirus outbreak halted all the action around the world.

On the other hand, the upcoming series will be England’s third assignment. They hosted West Indies last month for a three-match Test series which marked the resumption of international cricket. At present, they are involved in an ODI series against Ireland although most of the big names are not playing in it.

Pakistan have played six Tests in their last two tours of England.
Won 3️⃣
Lost 3️⃣

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Chance for Pakistan to topple England in ICC Test Rankings:

Azhar Ali & Co. can make a big leap in the ICC Test Rankings if they go on to stun the hosts in the upcoming series. England will definitely be the favourites for the series but writing off Pakistan can backfire for them. Pakistan are short on match practice while England head into the series after playing against West Indies which tilts the balance slightly in hosts’ favour.

However, Pakistan know how to punch above their weight and they will definitely fancy their chances because of their impressive record in England. Their last two series in England ended in stalemate. The four-match series in 2016 ended 2-2 while the two-match series in 2018 ended 1-1.

Pakistan have not won in England since 1996 but their recent track record is quite impressive. And if they manage to whitewash England, they will be able to topple Joe Root & Co. in the ICC Test Rankings.

At present, Pakistan are languishing at the seventh spot with 90 points while England are at fourth spot with 100 points. But Pakistan can move up to the fourth spot if they manage to win the series 3-0. In that case, they will replace England at the fourth spot with 103 points while the home team will drop to fifth with 98.

If they manage to win the series by a margin of 2-1, they will move to fifth spot with 95 points while England will remain at the fourth spot although they will drop two points.

On the other hand, if England manage to whitewash Pakistan, they will move to 108 points and close the gap with India who are third with 106 points. If the series ends at 1-1, both the teams will remain at the same position with same number of points.

Here is the current ICC Test Rankings for teams:

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