The Cricketer looks ahead to the upcoming three-Test series by assessing which available players would make a dream line-up
Had to wait until the third Windies Test to record a milestone score in the series, but he remains ahead of his ever-improving partner Dom Sibley. The pair put on England's first opening century partnership at home since 2016 in that match to lay the platform for victory. Burns played expertly to the situation in that Manchester Test, sacrificing a certain century in the second innings to help push the scoring rate along. That kind of gesture won't have been ignored and it said everything about Burns' character and commitment to the cause.
The Lahore-native is only four innings into his Test career, but he has done enough already to edge out opening partner Shan Masood in this XI. Modeling his game on Sachin Tendulkar (who doesn't) has already paid dividends, with centuries on both his Test and ODI debuts, becoming the first player to achieve such a feat. At 32 he is eager to make up for lost time, but it will feel like a long tour if he is unable to quell the moving ball.
There is a strong case to be made that Ali is the best No.3 in Test cricket right now. The experienced right-hander will lead Pakistan this summer and knows he himself holds the key to his side prevailing. Top-order runs will be important and what the 35-year-old, who has one triple and two double centuries, doesn't know about building a solid foundation isn't worth knowing. It is notable that his record outside of the sub-continent - bar in Australia where he averages 52 - is unconvincing but he is a reliable presence in the middle-order.
England v Pakistan: First Test - All you need to know
The star attraction of this Pakistan side returns to England with a point to prove. His last tour lasted just one innings and while he enjoyed decent success in the 50-over World Cup and domestic T20 Blast last summer, he will now embark on trying to dominate against the Dukes. Averages 65.5 since the start of 2018 and having thrilled in Australia last winter he will want to follow that up during this series.
What is there left to say about the all-conquering Durham star? Top of the ICC allrounder rankings, for what it is worth, after his West Indies heroics but questions remain over his durability and over-use in the England bowling attack. Might have to settle for a role purely as a batsman and slip fielder in this series, but you wouldn't bet against him making a serious impression. He just can't resist.
Endured a slightly lean series against West Indies as he failed to go past 12 in his first four innings. Followed that with a fine 91 in the third Test to offer another reminder of his undoubted class. Will be keen to kick-on during the second phase of the summer and with a more reliable top-order in place, he could really make teams pay with the old ball. A delightful sight at the crease who is only just getting going in his Test career.
Babar Azam arrives in England as one of Test cricket's best in-form batsmen
The Karachi Kings man is currently keeping former captain Sarfraz Ahmed out of the team, and while the debate over who wears the gloves in the Pakistan Test team (which he has avoided due to avoiding all kinds of social media) is still ongoing, Rizwan is the man in possession. Since his return to the team - he had to wait three years for his second Test outing after his debut in 2016 - he has impressed with the bat, with a fine 95 in Brisbane against Australia. Scored a century in the first warm-up match in Derby to cement his position.
While there is little doubting Shah's status as the leading spinner heading into this series, he is a shadow of the player he was when he topped the ICC bowling rankings in 2016. Shah endured torrid tours of South Africa and Australia, leading to him losing his place for the first Test against Sri Lanka on home soil. He has since returned and took four wickets against Bangladesh, but on pitches not producing turn in abundance, it remains to be seen how influential he will be. Shadab Khan's selection might take the pressure off.
The 30-year-old finished as the leading wicket-taker and was named player of the series the last time Pakistan came to England, and he'll be aiming to inspire a series victory this time around. Abbas is all about areas and he is a nightmare proposition for the hosts' line-up. Averages below 21 with the ball from 18 Tests, with four five-fors. Should excel in these kinds of conditions with his 80mph dibbly-dobblers.
Stuart Broad went to 500 Test wickets in the third Test against West Indies
The latest addition to the 500 club after his hauls across the final two Tests in the West Indies series. Remains hungry for more - his reaction to his first Test snub was evidence there is life in the old dog yet - and this series represents the chance to start his push towards the next milestone. Currently the best bowler around in English conditions, but the selectors must find a way of keeping him happy while managing his fitness.
The pressure on the Lancashire seamer's shoulders appears to have relented amid Broad's resurgence and Jofra Archer's assent, yet his 11 wickets in the Windies series still came at 12.50. At 38, his performances continue to be astonishing. That should make his pursuit of 600 Test wickets slightly easier - he needs 11 - and with an uncertain winter ahead he will be eager to get the job done this summer. Won't need a great deal of movement in the air to cause the Pakistan batsmen problems.
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