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England and Pakistan will begin their Test battle at Headingley, Leeds, where they meet in the opening match of the 2026 tour on 19th August at 3:30 PM IST.
Get the best ENG vs PAK Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 1st Test match of the Pakistan Tour of England 2026. Expert analysis and more.
Also Read: Babar Azam ruled out of the first Test against England
Hot Picks for ENG vs PAK Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:
Captaincy Picks:
Joe Root – England’s record-breaking Test run-scorer has amassed 14,114 runs and 74 wickets across 166 matches, continuing his remarkable longevity. |
Jamie Smith – The England wicketkeeper-batter has accumulated 1,387 runs in 22 Tests, establishing himself as a dependable middle-order presence. |
Top Picks:
Jofra Archer – England’s express fast bowler has taken 71 wickets in 20 Tests, bringing pace and penetration to the attack. |
Ben Duckett – England’s aggressive opener has registered 3,320 runs from 46 Tests, consistently providing attacking intent at the top. |
Budget Picks:
Khurram Shahzad – Pakistan’s fast bowler has claimed 32 wickets and scored 116 runs in 8 Tests, highlighted by a best of 6/90. |
Dan Lawrence – The versatile middle-order batter has contributed 671 runs and 3 wickets across 14 Tests, adding useful depth to England’s lineup. |
ENG vs PAK Pakistan Tour of England 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:
Captain | Joe Root & Jamie Smith |
Vice-Captain | Ben Duckett & Jorfa Archer |
ENG vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Team 1:
- Keepers – Mohammad Rizwan, Jamie Smith
- Batsmen – Ben Duckett (vc), Harry Brook, Abdullah Shafique
- All-rounders – Joe Root ©, Salman Ali Agha
- Bowlers – Khurram Shahzad, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson
ENG vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Team 2:
- Keepers – Mohammad Rizwan, Jamie Smith ©
- Batsmen – Ben Duckett
- All-rounders – Joe Root, Salman Ali Agha, Dan Lawrence
- Bowlers – Khurram Shahzad, Brydon Carse, Mohammad Abbas, Jofra Archer (vc), Gus Atkinson
ENG vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Today 1st Test Pakistan Tour of England 2026 Players to Avoid:
Players | Dream11 Credits | Dream11 Points (Last match) |
Matthew Fisher | NA | NA |
A Awais | NA | NA |
ENG vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Today 1st Test Pakistan Tour of England 2026 Expert Advice:
SL Captaincy Choice | Joe Clarke |
GL Captaincy Choice | Jamie Smith |
Punt Picks | Khurram Shahzad and Dan Lawrence |
Dream11 Combination | 2-4-2-3 |
ENG vs PAK Match Preview:
A major Test battle awaits as England begin their three-match ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 series against Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, on 19th August at 3:30 PM IST. The match marks a new chapter for England as Joe Root returns to the Test captaincy following Ben Stokes’ retirement, while Pakistan enter the series under Babar Azam’s leadership. With England seventh and Pakistan eighth in the current WTC standings, both teams have plenty at stake from the opening day.
England will enter the contest determined to respond after suffering a 160-run defeat against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, which handed New Zealand a 2-1 series victory. England scored 354 in their first innings while chasing 438 before falling to 212 in the second innings while pursuing 373, with Jamie Smith’s 60 providing some resistance. Meanwhile, Pakistan arrive with renewed confidence after defeating West Indies by eight wickets in Port of Spain to level their two-match series 1-1. Abdullah Shafique’s unbeaten 160 played a decisive role in that victory, while Babar Azam also made valuable contributions and Pakistan’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout.
Now, the stage is set for a fascinating clash of strengths. England will lean on the class of Joe Root and Harry Brook, while Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue can create serious problems with pace, supported by Shoaib Bashir. Pakistan, however, possess their own weapons, with Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali impressing during the Caribbean tour. Saud Shakeel, Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique add stability to the batting order, while Babar Azam’s fitness remains an important factor after his return to practice following a hand injury. Shan Masood has also continued his recovery as England and Pakistan prepare for a high-pressure series opener.
ENG vs PAK Head-to-Head Record:
Teams | Matches Won |
England | 30 |
Pakistan | 23 |
ENG vs PAK Weather & Pitch Report:
Temperature | 20°C |
Weather Forecast | Cloudy |
Pitch Behaviour | Batting-friendly |
Best Suited To | Pace |
Average 1st innings score | 300 |
Record of chasing teams:
Records | Poor |
Winning % | 44% |
ENG vs PAK Playing 11s (Predicted):
England Playing 11:
1) Ben Duckett
2) Emilio Gay
3) Jordan Cox
4) Joe Root (c)
5) Harry Brook
6) Dan Lawrence
7) Jamie Smith (wk)
8) Gus Atkinson
9) Jofra Archer
10) Ollie Robinson
11) Josh Tongue / Shoaib Bashir
Pakistan Playing 11:
1) Azan Awais
2) Imam-ul-Haq
3) Abdullah Shafique
4) Shan Masood
5) Saud Shakeel
6) Salman Agha (c)
7) Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
8) Aamer Jamal / Khurram Shahzad
9) Ali Usman (spinner)
10) Mohammad Abbas
11) Mohammad Ali
ENG vs PAK Match Winner Prediction:
Considering the head-to-head records, England is expected to win this match.
