Last Updated: August 22, 2026
The England vs Pakistan 2026 Test series is underway, with three matches being played at famous cricket grounds across England. The opening Test at Headingley is already complete, and attention now turns to the second Test at Lord’s.
For cricket fans in the United States, keeping track of UK match times, squads, injuries, and the latest series updates can be confusing. This Cricket Focus guide covers the complete England vs Pakistan 2026 schedule, USA match timings, updated squads, venues, current series score, and the main stories to follow.
England vs Pakistan 2026: Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | Pakistan Tour of England 2026 |
| Format | Test Cricket |
| Total Matches | 3 Tests |
| Series Dates | August 19 to September 13, 2026 |
| Current Score | England lead 1-0 |
| England Captain | Joe Root |
| Pakistan Captain | Babar Azam |
| 1st Test Pakistan Captain | Salman Ali Agha |
| Venues | Headingley, Lord’s, Edgbaston |
| Competition | ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 |
England vs Pakistan 2026 Full Schedule
Pakistan’s tour of England includes three Test matches. The series started at Headingley in Leeds before moving to Lord’s in London and then Edgbaston in Birmingham.
| Match | Dates | Venue | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | August 19-23, 2026 | Headingley, Leeds | England won |
| 2nd Test | August 27-31, 2026 | Lord’s, London | Upcoming |
| 3rd Test | September 9-13, 2026 | Edgbaston, Birmingham | Upcoming |
The first Test was scheduled for five days but finished inside three days after England completed a dominant victory.
All three matches count toward the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, which means every Test also matters beyond the bilateral series.
England vs Pakistan 2026 Match Timings
All three Tests are scheduled to start at 11:00 AM local time in England. That is 3:00 PM in Pakistan.
| Location | Match Start Time |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 11:00 AM |
| Pakistan | 3:00 PM PKT |
| India | 3:30 PM IST |
| U.S. Eastern Time | 6:00 AM |
| U.S. Central Time | 5:00 AM |
| U.S. Mountain Time | 4:00 AM |
| U.S. Pacific Time | 3:00 AM |
England vs Pakistan 2026 Schedule in USA Time
Cricket Focus readers in the United States will need an early start to watch the series live.
| Match | Date | ET | CT | MT | PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Aug. 19 | 6:00 AM | 5:00 AM | 4:00 AM | 3:00 AM |
| 2nd Test | Aug. 27 | 6:00 AM | 5:00 AM | 4:00 AM | 3:00 AM |
| 3rd Test | Sept. 9 | 6:00 AM | 5:00 AM | 4:00 AM | 3:00 AM |
Latest England vs Pakistan 2026 Series Update
Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in their first innings.
England replied with 409, building a first-innings lead of 238 runs.
Pakistan then needed a major recovery simply to make England bat again, but the visitors were dismissed for only 135.
What Happened in the First Test?
England won the toss at Headingley and chose to bowl first.
The decision worked immediately. Azan Awais was dismissed from the first ball of the match, and Pakistan struggled to build partnerships against England’s pace attack.
Abdullah Shafique provided the strongest resistance with 61 runs, while Imam-ul-Haq scored 42.
Ollie Robinson took 5 for 51, while Josh Tongue finished with 5 for 46 as Pakistan were bowled out for 171.
England then took control with the bat. Harry Brook scored 91, Jordan Cox made 73, Joe Root contributed 66, and Dan Lawrence added 51.
England reached 409 before Pakistan were dismissed for 135 in their second innings.
Robinson and Tongue both finished the Test with eight wickets each.
England Squad for Pakistan Test Series 2026
England announced a 16-player squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan. The squad can still change before the final Test at Edgbaston.
- Joe Root (captain)
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Carse
- Sam Cook
- Jordan Cox
- Ben Duckett
- Matthew Fisher
- Emilio Gay
- Dan Lawrence
- Ollie Pope
- Ollie Robinson
- Jamie Smith
- Josh Tongue
Why Is Jacob Bethell Not Playing?
Jacob Bethell was ruled out of the Pakistan Test series because of a right knee injury.
His absence created an opportunity for Jordan Cox, who made an immediate impact by scoring 73 at Headingley.
Why Is Ben Stokes Not Playing Against Pakistan?
Ben Stokes retired from Test cricket before the Pakistan series, opening the door for Joe Root to return as England’s full-time Test captain.
Pakistan Squad for England Test Series 2026
- Babar Azam (captain)
- Aamir Jamal
- Abdullah Shafique
- Ali Usman
- Azan Awais
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Khurram Shahzad
- Mohammad Abbas
- Mohammad Ali
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Muhammad Awais Zafar
- Muhammad Ghazi Ghori
- Sajid Khan
- Salman Ali Agha
- Saud Shakeel
- Shan Masood
- Ubaid Shah
Pakistan made an important squad change before travelling to England. Abdullah Fazal was ruled out because of injury, and Abdullah Shafique was added as his replacement. Saud Shakeel was also added as another experienced batting option.
Shafique then scored 61 at Headingley and was Pakistan’s highest scorer in the first innings.
Why Did Babar Azam Miss the First Test?
Babar Azam missed the opening Test after being struck on his right hand while batting during Pakistan’s warm-up match in England.
Pakistan decided not to risk their regular captain at Headingley.
Salman Ali Agha therefore led Pakistan in the first Test and became the 36th player to captain Pakistan in Test cricket.
Will Babar Azam Play the 2nd Test at Lord’s?
Babar Azam’s fitness is one of the biggest questions before the second Test.
Pakistan’s management hoped he would recover in time for Lord’s, but his participation should not be treated as confirmed until the team provides an official fitness update.
Can Pakistan’s Bowling Attack Fight Back at Lord’s?
Pakistan conceded 409 at Headingley, but there were still some positive signs with the ball.
Ali Usman was Pakistan’s leading bowler in England’s innings and completed his maiden Test five-wicket haul.
Pakistan also have experienced seam options such as Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, and Khurram Shahzad.
Abbas could be particularly useful in England because his accuracy and ability to move the ball can make him difficult to face when conditions help seam bowling.
Joe Root’s Return as England Test Captain
The Pakistan series marks the start of another chapter in Joe Root’s Test career.
Root previously captained England from 2017 to 2022. He returned as full-time Test captain following the end of Ben Stokes’ Test career.
His second spell started strongly. England bowled Pakistan out twice, scored 409 in their only innings, and completed the opening Test inside three days.
Root also contributed 66 runs with the bat.
England vs Pakistan 2026 Venues
Headingley, Leeds
Headingley hosted the opening Test. England’s pace attack made excellent use of the conditions and completed an innings victory inside three days.
Lord’s, London
The second Test begins on August 27 at Lord’s.
Lord’s is one of the most famous cricket grounds in the world and is often called the Home of Cricket.
Pakistan enter the match needing a strong response. A victory would level the series, while another England win would give the hosts an unbeatable 2-0 lead.
Edgbaston, Birmingham
The third and final Test begins on September 9 at Edgbaston.
If Pakistan level the series at Lord’s, the final match will become a series decider.
Why This Series Matters for the World Test Championship
All three Tests are part of the ICC World Test Championship .
Teams earn championship points through Test results, while their percentage of available points helps determine their position in the standings.
The top two teams at the end of the cycle qualify for the World Test Championship Final.
If the championship format is new to you, our World Test Championship guide explains the system in simple terms.
Where to Watch England vs Pakistan 2026 in the USA
Cricket fans in the United States can follow the series through Willow, with streaming coverage also promoted through Willow by Cricbuzz.
| USA Viewing Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Cricket Service | Willow |
| Streaming | Willow by Cricbuzz |
| Eastern Start | 6:00 AM |
| Pacific Start | 3:00 AM |
Players to Watch in the Remaining Tests
Joe Root
Root is England’s captain and one of the team’s most experienced Test batters. He scored 66 at Headingley and started his second spell as captain with a convincing victory.
Harry Brook
Brook scored 91 in the opening Test and helped England build a commanding first-innings lead.
Ollie Robinson
Robinson took five wickets in Pakistan’s first innings and eight across the match.
Josh Tongue
Tongue also finished the opening Test with eight wickets, including a five-wicket haul in Pakistan’s first innings.
Babar Azam
If fit, Babar will immediately become one of the biggest players to watch at Lord’s. Pakistan missed both his batting experience and regular leadership at Headingley.
Abdullah Shafique
Shafique entered the touring squad as an injury replacement and responded with 61 in Pakistan’s first innings.
What to Watch in the 2nd Test at Lord’s
Pakistan have several important questions to answer before the second Test.
The first is Babar Azam’s fitness. His return would strengthen the batting lineup and restore Pakistan’s regular captain.
Pakistan also need a major batting improvement after being dismissed for 171 and 135 at Headingley.
England’s pace attack will again be dangerous, especially if conditions at Lord’s offer movement for the seamers.
Another England victory would secure the series with one match remaining. Pakistan need a strong response to keep their hopes alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the England vs Pakistan 2026 schedule?
The three Tests are August 19-23 at Headingley, August 27-31 at Lord’s, and September 9-13 at Edgbaston.
When is the next England vs Pakistan Test?
The second Test begins on August 27, 2026, at Lord’s in London.
What time does England vs Pakistan start in the USA?
Play is scheduled for 6:00 AM ET, 5:00 AM CT, 4:00 AM MT, and 3:00 AM PT.
What is the current England vs Pakistan series score?
England lead the series 1-0 after winning the opening Test at Headingley.
Who is England’s Test captain?
Joe Root is England’s Test captain for the Pakistan series.
Who is Pakistan’s captain?
Babar Azam is Pakistan’s regular captain. Salman Ali Agha captained the first Test because Babar was unavailable with a hand injury.
Will Babar Azam play the second Test?
His participation remains subject to fitness and official confirmation.
Where can I watch England vs Pakistan 2026 in the USA?
U.S. viewers can follow the series through Willow, with streaming also promoted through Willow by Cricbuzz.
Is England vs Pakistan 2026 part of the World Test Championship?
Yes. All three Tests count toward the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.
Conclusion
The England vs Pakistan 2026 schedule features three Tests at Headingley, Lord’s, and Edgbaston between August 19 and September 13.
England lead the series 1-0 after winning the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs. Attention now turns to Lord’s on August 27, where Pakistan need a much stronger performance to keep the three-match series alive.
Babar Azam’s fitness remains one of the biggest stories before the second Test, while England will look to continue their strong start. For fans in the United States, play begins at 6:00 AM Eastern Time and 3:00 AM Pacific Time.
