The first Test will start on August 5 in Manchester, before moving to Southampton on August 13 with the final Test match also taking place on the south coast, beginning on Aug 25. That means the sides could be facing 15 days of cricket in a mere 21 days, so expect plenty of rotation, especially in the seam-bowling department.

The likes of Sam Curran, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Ollie Robinson and Olly Stone will certainly be hoping they get a chance to graduate from Ed Smith’s reserve squad into the starting line-up, given the congested nature of England’s Test match calendar. The same goes for James Bracey, Dan Lawrence, Ben Foakes and Jack Leach.

The England v Pakistan fixture has served up some enthralling contests in recent history, with this summer’s visitors unbeaten in their last two Test series in the UK. The last time these two sides met was in game six of the 2019 World Cup, where Sarfaraz Ahmed’s team shocked the hosts, defending 348 at Trent Bridge. However, Pakistan haven’t won a Test series in England since 1996, so will be keen to correct that next month. In terms of the T20 history between the two teams, England have won 10 out of 15, with Pakistan managing only four wins with one tie, coming in 2015.

England v Pakistan Tests and T20Is: Fixture list and start times

England v Pakistan, first Test, Old Trafford, Manchester, August 5-9, 11:00 BST (10:00 GMT).

England v Pakistan, second Test, Ageas Bowl, Southampton, August 13-17, 11:00 BST (10:00 GMT).

England v Pakistan, third Test, Ageas Bowl, Southampton, August 21-25, 11:00 BST (10:00 GMT).

England v Pakistan, first T20I (day/night), Old Trafford, Manchester, August 28, 18:00 BST (17:00 GMT).

England v Pakistan, second T20I, Old Trafford, Manchester, August 30, 14:30 BST (13:30 GMT).

England v Pakistan, third T20I (day/night), Old Trafford, Manchester, September 1, 18:00 BST (17:00 GMT).