Fast bowling, middle-orders and captains - key battles in England v Pakistan
The Test series between England and Pakistan is a much-anticipated contest with much focus on the return of Mohammad Amir. ESPNcricinfo picks out key areas with the help of James Taylor and Azhar Mahmood
ESPNcricinfo staff
13-Jul-2016
Pakistan have been in this country longer than most touring sides manage these days, having had a training camp in Hampshire before two tour matches. How important will that be?
It will be almost six years since Mohammad Amir delivered those no-balls to order. He has been back in international cricket since January, but a return to Test cricket - and at Lord's - will challenge him even more
Amir, and the rest of the Pakistan attack, will provide a tough examination of England's middle order which has a new look for this series with James Vince at No. 4 and the recalled Gary Ballance at No. 5
England, though, have a more-than-handy pace attack of their own but will be missing James Anderson and Ben Stokes for the first Test
Pakistan, without doubt, have the best spinner on show this series in Yasir Shah. What role will the spinners play?
And what of the two captains? Misbah-ul-Haq has led Pakistan since the spot-fixing crisis while Alastair Cook has battled back from the brink more than once
Don't forget the men behind the scenes, too. The laid back England coach and the more intense man who has recently taken charge of Pakistan