Neighbour's envy, owner's pride

The composition of the Indian and Pakistani Test sides are a study in contrasts. One has power-heavy batters and the other has a bowling attack capable of softening Australia. Both teams aren't blessed with the best of both worlds, both have had contrasting fortunes in recent Tests, but they're united by one thing: envy of the other's resources, writes Dileep Premachandran in the Guardian.

A side featuring India's batsmen and Pakistan's bowlers would most likely sweep aside all comers, but the real world has no time for such fantasy cricket. Over the next month, both teams – batsman-heavy India and pace-blessed Pakistan – will have to battle their frailties and maximise their strengths as they seek to overcome opponents who appear that much more balanced.