An English Test summer like no other continues on Wednesday as England kick off a three-match series with Pakistan at Old Trafford.

Like the West Indies before them, Pakistan deserve huge credit for opting to tour England at present but this might not be the stroll in the park for the hosts that many expect and should the glorious weather that is predicted this week continue for a little longer yet, the visitors could be very competitive.

Pakistan’s biggest hopes will centre around star batsman Babar Azam; a brilliant white-ball performer who has started to enjoy similar levels of success in the longer form of the game over the last 18 months.