England and Pakistan renew one of Test cricket’s most compelling rivalries this summer, with three matches promising five-day drama, world-class batting and two teams entering new eras.
England vs Pakistan Test series 2026 schedule
First Test: 19–23 August, Headingley
Second Test: 27–31 August, Lord’s
Third Test: 9–13 September, Edgbaston
Three iconic grounds. Two newly appointed captains. One series with the potential to shape what comes next for both sides.
Joe Root returns to lead England
Joe Root is back as England Test captain on a permanent basis for the first time since 2022. His return begins on familiar ground at Headingley, where the Yorkshire crowd will expect the new chapter to start at full volume.
There is change in the coaching team too. Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim head coach during the Pakistan series, before incoming coach Stephen Fleming takes full charge ahead of England’s winter tour of South Africa. It gives England an unusual but exciting balance: Root and Trescothick focused on winning now, with Fleming preparing to build for the longer term
Root’s calm leadership will be important, but England’s identity will still depend on players prepared to take the game forward.
Harry Brook brings the Havoc
Pakistan need no reminder of Harry Brook’s threat. In Multan in 2024, the Yorkshire batter produced a remarkable 317, turning a big England total into a record-breaking one.
Brook will once again be central to England’s middle order, armed with the Havoc HB317 Bat. Built around his aggressive game, its power-led shape and unmistakable blue-and-yellow styling suit a player who can change a Test match in a session. When Brook gets moving, defensive fields rarely stay defensive for long.
Emilio Gay and Gus Atkinson offer balance
Emilio Gay has been a composed addition at the top of the order, with two half centuries in his opening three Tests . He has the technique to absorb pressure and the range to punish anything loose, qualities reflected in the clean, timeless design of the Classic Bat.
Gus Atkinson brings a different kind of influence. His pace gives England a wicket-taking threat, while his ability with the bat adds valuable depth lower down the order. With the Imperia 1.0 Bat in hand, Atkinson can turn the tide if Pakistan get through England's top order.
Babar Azam takes charge of Pakistan
Pakistan arrive with Babar Azam newly installed as captain for the tour. His class at the crease is beyond question; the challenge will be setting the tone for a side facing three very different English venues.
Around him, Shan Masood provides leadership experience and an appetite for long innings, while Saud Shakeel remains one of Pakistan’s most important red-ball batters. Shakeel’s 134 in Rawalpindi helped Pakistan seal their 2–1 series win over England in 2024, proving he can shape the biggest matches through patience and precision.
Masood and Shakeel will bring the bold green Havoc 1.3 to the crease. With its balanced pick-up and powerful mid-blade profile, it is made for batters who know when to build, when to counter and when to take control.
Can England settle the score?
The previous series showed exactly why Pakistan can never be written off. After losing the opening Test heavily, they won the next two to complete a 2–1 comeback. England now have home conditions, a returning captain and a powerful group of match-winners. Pakistan have recent bragging rights, a refreshed leader and a batting core capable of occupying the crease for hours.
This series may come down to adaptability: leaving well at Headingley, handling the occasion at Lord’s and finding one final surge at Edgbaston.
New captains. New voices. Familiar rivalry.
The England vs Pakistan Test series is ready to begin, and once again Gray-Nicolls will be at the heart of the action.
SHOP THE BATS: Havoc HB317 | Classic | Imperia 1.0 | Havoc 1.3
