England vs. Pakistan prediction, lineups, pitch report for 1st test as Joe Root returns as captain

England vs. Pakistan prediction, lineups, pitch report for 1st test as Joe Root returns as captain originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

There's something about Headingley that always seems to demand a story, and this week it has been handed a proper one.

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England have started a new era under Joe Root, who has taken back the captaincy he once walked away from, and he couldn't have picked a more familiar stage to do it on. Wednesday's opener against Pakistan has arrived with plenty riding on it, not just for the series itself but for what England's team has become since Ben Stokes stepped away.

Pakistan, meanwhile, have turned up with a spring in their step that wasn't there a few months ago. Their win in Trinidad ended a run of away defeats that had dragged on for years, and Babar Azam has looked back to something like his best, even with a knock to the hand still nagging at him. Abdullah Shafique's hundred in that same match has given their top order a bit more steel too.

England vs. Pakistan Prediction: Who Will Win?

England hold the cards heading into Headingley, and it's hard to see past a home win once the dust settles.

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England's seam options run four or five deep depending on conditions. Archer's return to full fitness has been the standout story of the build-up, and his pace alone should ask serious questions of Pakistan's top order.

Babar's fitness has cast a shadow over Pakistan's preparations, and even if he plays, a knock to the hand rarely helps ahead of facing genuine speed. Their batting has looked fragile against pace before, most recently in Bangladesh, and Headingley's overheads should only add to that discomfort.

Pakistan won't be pushovers. Abbas has the skill to trouble anyone with the new ball, and Shafique arrives full of confidence.

But England's greater all-round strength should tell across five days, and a home victory looks the strong bet

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Cricket News Prediction: India to win

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England vs. Pakistan: Team news and predicted XIs

Here's how both sides are likely to line up in this game:

England predicted line up against Pakistan

Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (c), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson , Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue

Pakistan predicted lineup to play England

Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Azan Awais, Babar Azam (c), Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Aamer Jamal, Sajid Khan, Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali

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England vs. Pakistan pitch report: Headingley, Leeds

The pitch has been the sporting pitch. But last few matches have seen some high scores scored and chased.

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