🗓️ Official Test Series Schedule – England vs Pakistan 2026
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has officially announced its 2026 home summer schedule, and the highlight is undoubtedly the three-match Test series between England and Pakistan. This highly anticipated red-ball battle will begin in August 2026 and run into mid-September.
Here’s the confirmed schedule:
🏏 1st Test – Headingley, Leeds (Aug 19–23)
Headingley has often offered a fair balance between bat and ball. With overhead conditions, seamers thrive here. Pakistan will need to adapt quickly to get a strong start to the series. They last played here in 2018, where England won comfortably.
🏏 2nd Test – Lord’s, London (Aug 27–31)
The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, known as the "Home of Cricket", always brings historic moments. Pakistan has enjoyed good results here over the years, including a famous victory in 2016 led by Misbah-ul-Haq and Yasir Shah. Expect another epic showdown in 2026.
🏏 3rd Test – Edgbaston, Birmingham (Sep 9–13)
Edgbaston is one of the most intimidating grounds for visiting teams due to its electrifying atmosphere. England rarely lose here, and Pakistan will need grit and resilience to secure a win. The series might be decided in this match.
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Return to England Test Scene After 6 Years
The 2026 Test series will be Pakistan’s first red-ball tour to England since 2020, when the sides played behind closed doors during the pandemic. This time, fans are expected to flood the stadiums, reigniting the traditional rivalry.
Over the years, Pakistan has played 28 Tests in England, winning 4, losing 12, and drawing 12. With rising stars like Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Abrar Ahmed in form, the visitors will look to end their winless streak in England.
🔍 England vs Pakistan – Test Rivalry Through the Years
- 🏆 First Test in England: 1954 – Oval (Pakistan won)
- 📊 Last Test in England: 2020 – England won the series 1-0
- 🧨 Most Memorable Win: Lord’s 2016 – Pakistan won by 75 runs
- 🌍 ICC World Test Championship context: Crucial points for both sides
🧠 Historical Performance – Pakistan in England
Pakistan’s recent Test tours of England have produced some memorable moments, including:
- ✅ 2016: Series tied 2-2; highlighted by Yasir Shah’s 10-wicket haul at Lord’s.
- ❌ 2018: Pakistan won the Lord’s Test but lost the Headingley Test; series drawn 1-1.
- ❌ 2020: Lost the series 1-0 in bio-secure conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overall, Pakistan has struggled for consistency in English conditions, especially with batting collapses under swinging conditions.
🌧️ Weather Expectations – English Summer 2026
While August and early September are considered relatively dry months in England, rain interruptions are not uncommon. Here’s the general forecast trend:
- Leeds (Headingley) – Usually dry, but cloudy overheads can aid seam bowling.
- London (Lord’s) – Mild and humid, may offer variable bounce.
- Birmingham (Edgbaston) – Slightly cooler with occasional rain in early September.
👥 Key Players to Watch
🇵🇰 Pakistan:
- Babar Azam – Will likely lead the batting unit and captaincy again.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi – His swing and pace in English conditions will be crucial.
- Abrar Ahmed – Could be a surprise spin weapon on day 4-5 surfaces.
🏴 England:
- Joe Root – Master of subcontinental attacks and solid at home.
- Ollie Pope – Continues to grow as a middle-order asset.
- Woakes (if still active) – His farewell series? A fitting end if chosen.
🧪 England’s Summer Test Calendar 2026 (Overview)
Alongside Pakistan’s tour, the ECB has announced:
- Early summer: England vs New Zealand (Test series in May–June)
- August–September: England vs Pakistan Test series
- White-ball series and The Hundred will also run alongside
📺 Where to Watch England vs Pakistan Test Series 2026
🌍 Global Broadcasters:
- Pakistan – PTV Sports, A Sports
- UK – Sky Sports Cricket
- India – Sony Sports or FanCode (TBC)
- Worldwide – ICC.tv (Digital streaming may apply)
✈️ Travel & Ticket Info for Fans
Fans wishing to attend the matches live should monitor:
- Early registration will help secure seats at Lord’s and Edgbaston in particular, as they sell out quickly.
- ECB Tickets Portal
For Pakistani fans in the UK, this will be a golden opportunity to rally behind the Men in Green and make their voices heard in the stands.
🧠 Final Thoughts: High-Stakes Red-Ball Battle Ahead! 🏆
The Pakistan tour of England in 2026 promises to deliver classic Test cricket action. With the rich history between these two nations, challenging conditions, and world-class talent on both sides, this series could swing either way.
Will Pakistan finally conquer England in their backyard and end their Test drought there? Or will England continue their dominance at home?
Mark your calendars: August 19 to September 13, 2026. Cricket history is about to be written.
🤔 FAQs – Pakistan vs England Test Series 2026
❓ When was the last time Pakistan played a Test in England?
A: 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a three-Test series that England won 1-0.
❓ How many Tests will Pakistan play in 2026?
A: Pakistan will play 3 Test matches as part of the summer schedule.
❓ Where will the matches be held?
A: Matches will be held at Headingley (Leeds), Lord’s (London), and Edgbaston (Birmingham).
❓ Will these Tests count toward the World Test Championship?
A: Yes, all three matches will be a part of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle.
❓ When does the first match start?
A: The first match starts on August 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM.