Pakistan drew their last Test series, in Sri Lanka. Babar Azam will lead them, with Mohammad Rizwan as his deputy. Pakistan’s last home Test series was against Australia in March – a three-game affair that they eventually lost 1-0.

Pakistan, though, would have to find a way to win without talismanic pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has been ruled out due to injury. But in Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Naseem Shah, they have more than enough quality to offset it. There is no place for Yasir Shah either, with the duo of Abrar Ahmed and Zahid Mahmood being preferred over him.

England, on the other hand, will play their first Test in Pakistan since 2005/06. Seventeen years ago, on their last tour in the nation, they suffered a 0-2 defeat. However, having beaten New Zealand 3-0, India 1-0, and South Africa 2-1 this home summer, they will be confident of turning their fortunes around.

Ben Stokes continues as captain as England chose a near full-strength squad, barring Stuart Broad and Jonny Bairstow. Joe Root, Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley will be looking to make an impact, while Liam Livingstone and Will Jacks have also been called up as England look to take the attack to Pakistan in Pakistan.

On the bowling front, James Anderson will be expected to spearhead the attack, alongside Jamie Overton, Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson. Jack Leach would also be hoping to play a crucial role on what could be spin-friendly pitches.

PAK v ENG Tests: Full list of fixtures

(All match timings are in local time; all matches will start at 4:30am GMT)

First Test match, December 1-5, Pakistan v England, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, 9:30am

Second Test match, December 9-13, Pakistan v England, Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan, 9:30am

Third Test match, December 17-21, Pakistan v England, National Stadium, Karachi, 9:30am