gg2
Cricket reader Q&A ahead of England v Pakistan
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
England's men start their post-Bazball future next week with a three-Test series against Pakistan. The series begins August 17, with England's squad selection already drawing criticism.
Background
England's men's cricket team is transitioning after the Bazball era, with a new shape under discussion. The upcoming three-Test series against Pakistan marks the start of this new phase. Pakistan has arrived in England and is preparing, including a warm-up match against a County XI.
How it unfolded
- Aug 11, 2026Pakistan's four-day warm-up match against a County XI is cut to three days, scheduled from 12-15 August.
- Aug 14, 2026The Guardian hosts a reader Q&A with cricket journalist Ali Martin to discuss England's new team shape ahead of the series.
- Aug 17, 2026The first Test of the three-match series between England and Pakistan is scheduled to begin.
Who’s saying what
- Expert
- Mark Butcher questions England's decision to pick spin-bowling allrounder Dan Lawrence as spin cover for the Tests.
- Analysts
- Shoaib Akhtar believes England will prepare seam-friendly conditions and avoid mistakes made by the West Indies, making the series a difficult challenge for Pakistan.
Still unverified
Shoaib Akhtar's comments are from an Instagram post and may not be officially confirmed.