Pakistan set to host cricket series against England in the UAE from this October 2015

Series will include three test, four one-day internationals and three T20 matches played in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah

UAE, October 2015: Cricket purists across the world are buzzing with excitement as Pakistan and England get ready to take each other on in a 3-match test series in UAE, starting on 13th October.

The first test match will take place in Abu Dhabi from the 13-17 October, followed by Dubai 22-26 October, and Sharjah 1-5 November.

It gets all the more interesting given that Pakistan has never lost a test series in the UAE so far. With both teams being neck to neck in their test match rankings (Pakistan are ranked 4 and England are ranked 3) and both teams in great form, cricket enthusiasts can certainly expect a nail-biting finish. The series will give both teams with a chance to claim the second spot in the ICC Rankings.

England and Pakistan have both been in excellent form in the recent past. England come in to this series fresh from having won the prized Ashes and Pakistan beat Sri Lanka away from home in a three-test series recently.

The last time the two sides met in a bilateral series, Pakistan blanked England 3-0 in an exciting contest dominated by spin bowling. While the best of both nations’ talents will be seen on the pitch, the four top wicket takers from the previous series, Saeed Ajmal, Abdul Rehman, Graeme Swann, and Monty Panesar – will not be playing in this series.

Pakistan’s latest spin sensation, Yasir Shah is set to continue on his path to success in favourable conditions. Yasir will be joined by left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar to complete the spin attack. Yasir and Zulfiqar will be joined by World Cup 2015 star Wahab Riaz, Rahat Ali, Junaid Khan, and Imran Khan to complete Pakistan’s bowling attack.

Pakistan’s star batsman Younis Khan is only 19 runs away from becoming the highest run-scorer in test matches from Pakistan. Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq will also be looking to continue his team’s prolific record in the UAE where they are yet to lose a test series.

The English side will be led by Alastair Cook and will have the services of established players such as Ian Bell, Joe Root, James Anderson, and Stuart Broad. The English spin attack will be led by Moeen Ali and Samit Patel. 

Pakistan and England will also play four one-day internationals and three T20s as part of the tour. ODIs will be played on November 11 and 13 in Abu Dhabi, November 17 in Sharjah and November 20 in Dubai. The two International T20 matches will be played in Dubai on November 26 and 27. The series will conclude with the third and final T20 match on November 30 at Sharjah.

The series will mark the beginning of a long season for the Pakistani team that ends with the Pakistan Super League taking place in the UAE during February.