Pakistan's most successful venue in England

The stats preview for the fourth Test between England and Pakistan at The Oval which starts on Thursday

Aug 17, 2006, 6:28 AM

Marcus Trescothick celebrates his hundred against South Africa at The Oval in 2003 © Getty Images

With nothing to play for but pride, Pakistan square off against England at what is their most successful venue in England. In seven Tests at The Oval, Pakistan have beaten England thrice, lost twice and drawn as many. Pakistan have won the last two Tests at this venue - by ten wickets in 1992 and nine wickets in 1996.

Since 1990, the team winning the toss has batted first 13 times out of 16. On the three occasions when they have chosen to field, they have lost twice and won only once.

In the last ten Tests at The Oval, the team batting first averages 42 per wicket. That figure reduces significantly as the match progresses. The averages for the second, third and fourth innings are 38.2, 23.8 and 21.3.

Marcus Trescothick's average of 75.22 is his highest for any ground in England at which he's played more than two Tests. In 12 innings, Trescothick has scored five half-centuries and a matchwinning 219 against South Africa in 2003. Only once has he been dismissed for less than 20 at this venue.

England's opening bowlers have had contrasting performances at The Oval. Steve Harmison has taken 14 wickets in three Tests at The Oval at an average of 22.42 and a strike-rate of 42.8. Matthew Hoggard, on the other hand, averages 39.28 and has taken only seven wickets in four innings.

Pakistan scored their highest total in Tests at this venue in 1987. Javed Miandad made 260, while Saleem Malik and Imran Khan weighed in with hundreds as Pakistan piled up 708 in the first innings. The match ended in a draw.

Marcus Trescothick Matthew Hoggard Steve Harmison Pakistan England Pakistan tour of England and Scotland Kennington Oval

George Binoy is editorial assistant of Cricinfo