The English cricket summer takes a marked shift in gear on Friday as Test cricket is put back in its box to make way for a three-match T20I series against Pakistan.

Much of the glitz and glamour usually associated with the shortest form of the game won't be in evidence at Old Trafford as empty stands will once again greet the players in these most unprecedented of times.

Nevertheless, there is still plenty at stake for both sides with England's squad, in particular, housing a number of names who might not have ordinarily been been given the opportunity in this series had the likes of Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, and Jason Roy been available.

Roy's late defection due to a side strain certainly paves the way for someone to make their mark at the top of the order and I can't resist backing Dawid Malan to seize his chance in England colours having enjoyed a good time of it for Yorkshire in recent weeks.