The sentiment is understandable. The last time Pakistan played at Lord’s, in 2016, they won too, but that was a much more experienced team, starring Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq in the batting line-up and Yasir Khan, the leg-spinner, as the bowling frontman. Shah, in fact, was named Player of the Match then for his match haul of 10-141.

This is a far more inexperienced side – five members of the squad hadn’t played Test cricket before reaching Ireland.

Pakistan first played a Test match in Ireland, and struggled in parts before clinching a five-wicket win.

“We knew that even a Test against Ireland would not be easy and they gave us a really tough time,” acknowledged Ahmed. “We weren’t up to the mark in bowling and batting so when we played the Leicestershire (tour) game, we told the bowlers to pitch the ball up. And that was the difference from Malahide. That was the perfect Test for us coming here.”

In 2016, Pakistan had drawn the four-Test series 2-2, and they can’t lose this series either, making it a remarkable achievement for the team. They now have a few days off before the second Test, in Leeds, starting June 1.