Misbah the rock, Yasir the match-winner

Misbah-ul-Haq (352 runs at 58.66)

Must be now acknowledged as Pakistan's greatest Test captain. He successfully masterminded yet another series victory over England in the UAE and in Sharjah he completed 20 wins as captain, becoming the third most successful captain from the subcontinent after MS Dhoni (27) and Sourav Ganguly (21). His proactive captaincy and his substantial contribution of 352 runs at 58.66 reasserted the calming influence that has helped Pakistan climb to No. 2 in the world despite all the challenges thrown at him.

Yasir Shah (15 wickets at 21.53)

After missing the first Test with a back injury he had the impact everyone expected as he claimed 15 wickets in Dubai and Sharjah to earn the Man of the Series award. The pressure of expectation did not appear to burden him although occasionally he could become a little rushed, something Shane Warne spoke to him about. England defended him solidly for long periods, but Yasir claimed key wickets - including Alastair Cook three times - and produced a magic delivery to remove Samit Patel in Sharjah. Only Charlie Turner, the Australian seamer who played in the late 1800s, has more than Yasir's 76 wickets after 12 Tests.

Younis Khan (302 runs at 50.33)

A record-breaking series for Younis as he surpassed Javed Miandad's Pakistan run-tally, crossed 9000 runs and set his sights on 10,000 before he calls it a day. Did not produce a defining first innings, but his 118 in Dubai ensured no way back for England. His rash shot off Adil Rashid sparked Pakistan's Abu Dhabi collapse and reiterated how important he remains to this line-up. Despite his age, the reflexes at slip have not been dimmed.

Asad Shafiq (326 runs at 54.33)

The investment in Shafiq has started to bring substantial results. He displayed tremendous composure in Abu Dhabi with an stylish century and his 83 in Dubai was vital after Pakistan's first innings had been in the balance. He now has eight hundreds batting at No. 6, equalling the most centuries in that position alongside Garry Sobers.

Mohammad Hafeez (380 runs at 63.33)

At a time when he is unable to bowl due to a suspect action, Hafeez imposed himself as a batsman and finished as Pakistan's leading run-scorer. He benefitted from England's fielding lapses - dropped on 7 in Abu Dhabi on his way to 98 and given a life on 97 in Sharjah - but made sure he took advantage. Still manages to lose concentration too often, but is as solid an option at the top as Pakistan have.

Wahab Riaz (eight wickets at 43.37)

On the face of it, an average above 40 would indicate an underwhelming series, but he produced one of the most incisive spells when he ripped through England's middle order on the third morning in Dubai with a nine-over burst which defied conditions and was thoroughly deserving of his Man of the Match award. Waqar Younis, a hard coach to please, had been underwhelmed by a seemingly impressive burst in Abu Dhabi and made a few small technical adjustments to Wahab. Those efforts in Dubai appeared to have taken a fair amount of him and he was a little less impressive in Sharjah.

Zulfiqar Babar (nine wickets at 45.44)

A workhorse for Misbah and his toil was rewarded with nine wickets and a economy which kept England quiet. His value in the second innings was on display in Dubai and Sharjah and he suffered more than most from missed chances.

Imran Khan (six wickets at 24.66)

Overall, the best figures of Pakistan's quicks with six wickets in two Tests at 24.66 before he suffered a hand injury. Like Rahat he can often be overlooked because of the more eye-catching efforts of Wahab and Yasir, but he never let his captain down. His stamina and control will keep him around the Test squad and he should be a threat in England next year (where he might score his first Test run).

Shoaib Malik (292 runs at 48.66, 11 wickets at 20.72)

A surprise recall to the Test side after five years was curtailed with a surprise retirement announcement midway through the Sharjah Test. His career-best 245 in Abu Dhabi was a remarkable comeback story, but that was followed by 0, 7, 2, 38, 0. However, in what became his final Test his claimed a career-best match haul of seven wickets to ensure a fluctuating Test career ended on a high.

Sarfraz Ahmed (139 runs at 27.80)

A strange series for the wicketkeeper-batsman, who hadn't missed making at least a half-century in a series since 2013, but ended up with a highest score of 39. He scored 139 in six innings at 27.80, his lowest return in the last two years as impetuosity got the better of him on occasions. Barring a couple of tight missed chances, he had a decent stint behind the stumps including two fabulous catches off Joe Root and James Taylor in Sharjah.

Rahat Ali (four wickets at 39.25)

A skilful bowler who has considerable ability with the old ball, though remains underrated. His figures were underwhelming, but one of his appearances was on the flattest of pitches in Abu Dhabi. On his return in Sharjah he produced some telling spells of reverse swing, claiming the key wicket of Root on the second day.

Azhar Ali (34 runs at 17.00)

Due to a foot injury and then the death of a family member he missed the first two Tests and in the first innings in Sharjah his lack of recent batting showed. However, he helped form a crucial century opening stand in the second innings to wipe out England's lead. He also held a stunning catch at short leg off Rashid to help ensure the lead did not swell to far. Would be fun to see more of his legspin.

Shan Masood (58 runs at 14.50)

Became James Anderson's bunny during the series as he fell four times to the England paceman, three times in single figures, but his 54 in the first innings in Dubai seized some early momentum and reminded of the talent which has Waqar rating him highly. Was left out to accommodate Azhar's return, but Malik's retirement opens a spot for him to return. Was peppered at short leg and missed a few catches.