ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s cricket team has bounced back emphatically in the Caribbean, squaring the two-match Test series against the West Indies and now preparing for a pivotal three-game contest on English soil.
Series drawn, WTC rankings reshuffled
The visitors delivered a commanding performance in the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval, bowling out the home side for a paltry 117 in their second innings before successfully chasing a modest 75-run target with nine wickets in hand. The victory halted Pakistan’s streak of eight consecutive away Test defeats and ensured they avoided a series loss in the West Indies.
Honours even 🏆🤝
The two-match Test series ends 1-1 🏏
Pakistan now head to England for their next assignment 🗓️#WIvPAK | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/lBuFJdzSCQ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 5, 2026
The result had immediate repercussions on the World Test Championship standings. Pakistan climbed above the West Indies to claim eighth position, with their points percentage rising sharply from 6.67 to 22.22 across six matches. Meanwhile, the Caribbean side slipped to the bottom of the table, their PCT dropping from 22.73 to 20.83.
Current WTC table (Top and relevant positions):
Australia continue to dominate the standings with an 87.5 PCT, followed by South Africa (75) and New Zealand (72.22). England occupy seventh spot with 24.36 PCT from 13 outings, narrowly ahead of Pakistan.
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Babar Azam joins elite company with record-equalling feat
Skipper Babar Azam, who was reinstated as Test captain ahead of the West Indies tour, demonstrated exemplary leadership with the bat throughout the series. He amassed 193 runs across four innings at an outstanding average of 96.50 and was named joint Player of the Series.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s post-match press conference | Pakistan vs West Indies, 2nd Test#WIvPAK | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/hkIomRdhGF
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) August 5, 2026
This accolade marked Babar’s first such honour in the longest format and elevated his career tally of Player of the Series awards across all international cricket to 10. In doing so, the 31-year-old drew level with two of Pakistan’s most revered cricketing figures—Imran Khan and Wasim Akram—who also boast 10 awards each.
Pakistan’s all-time leaders for player of the series awards:
- Imran Khan – 10 (Test: 8, ODI: 2)
- Babar Azam – 10 (Test: 1, ODI: 4, T20I: 5)
- Wasim Akram – 10 (Test: 7, ODI: 3)
- Waqar Younis – 9 (Test: 5, ODI: 4)
Pakistan’s upcoming assignment in England
With the West Indies series now behind them, Pakistan’s focus shifts to a three-Test tour of England, beginning with the opening fixture at Headingley from August 19 to 23. The squad is scheduled to land in London on August 8 and will use a four-day practice match at Beckenham from August 12 to 15 to adjust to local conditions.
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The second Test is set for Lord’s (August 27–31), while the series concludes at Edgbaston (September 9–13). Babar will continue to lead a 17-member Pakistan contingent, which includes uncapped players such as left-arm spinner Ali Usman and pace bowler Ubaid Shah. Saud Shakeel has been provisionally named subject to fitness clearance.
England name squad for new chapter
England, meanwhile, have unveiled a 16-player squad for the first two Tests, signalling the start of a fresh chapter following the retirements of Ben Stokes and James Anderson, as well as the departure of head coach Brendon McCullum. Joe Root has resumed the Test captaincy and will lead the side at his home venue, Headingley.
BREAKING: England Men have named a 16-player squad for the opening two Rothesay Tests against Pakistan 🚨 pic.twitter.com/y6ZVGYHTni
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 6, 2026
Notable selections include:
- Jordan Cox, who will bat at No. 3 following Jacob Bethell’s withdrawal due to a right knee injury that requires an extended rehabilitation period.
- Dan Lawrence, earning his first Test recall in two years on the back of a stellar County Championship campaign with Surrey, where he scored 788 runs at 65.66.
- Ollie Pope, brought back as a reserve wicketkeeper-batter after being omitted during the Ashes.
- Brydon Carseand Sam Cook, both returning from injury and previous Test experience respectively.
Marcus Trescothick will oversee the Pakistan series in an interim coaching capacity before Stephen Fleming officially assumes the head coach role at the conclusion of the English summer.
JUST IN: England name their squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan at Headingley and Lord’s 🏴
• Lawrence to replace Stokes at No. 6
• Bethell ruled out with knee injury
• Cox set to bat at No. 3
• Pope, Carse and Cook return pic.twitter.com/CgoMlDYUph— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) August 6, 2026
National selector Marcus North commented: “We have assembled a squad for the opening two Tests that blends emerging talent with the seasoned campaigners required to take on a strong Pakistan outfit. Dan Lawrence’s recall is thoroughly deserved after his exceptional season with Surrey, and we believe his experience and skill set will strengthen our middle order. Jordan Cox is widely viewed as one of the most promising batters in the country, and he now has a golden opportunity to cement the No. 3 position in Jacob Bethell’s absence.”
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The full England squad for the first two Tests includes: Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, and Josh Tongue.
Series schedule:
- 1st Test: August 19–23 – Headingley
- 2nd Test: August 27–31 – Lord’s
- 3rd Test: September 9–13 – Edgbaston
