ENG vs PAK win percentage stands at 63% in favour of ENG.
Key reasons:
- Pakistan have not beaten England in England since 2018.
- England have won each of their last six Tests at Headingley.
- England have a strong pace attack featuring Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue.
- Pakistan's bowling attack lacks the experience of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.
- Joe Root and Harry Brook provide England with considerable experience in the middle order.
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ENG vs PAK Betting Tips
England are the favourites heading into the first Test at Headingley. Pakistan have not defeated England in England since 2018, while England have won each of their last six matches at this venue. The hosts also have a significant advantage in pace bowling, with Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue expected to lead the attack.
Joe Root remains one of England's most reliable Test batsmen and will be a key figure in the middle order. He has scored at least 35 runs in the first innings in five of his last 11 matches, including four centuries. Headingley's conditions can challenge batsmen early, but Root's experience makes him well placed to produce a substantial contribution.
Josh Tongue has been England's leading bowler during the current cycle, taking 45 wickets in 18 innings. He has taken at least four wickets in five of his last seven matches and claimed seven wickets during his previous appearance at Headingley. The surface's grass covering and expected lateral movement should suit his pace and bounce.
Match details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | England vs Pakistan, 1st Test |
| Series | Pakistan tour of England 2026 |
| Date | 19 August 2026 |
| Venue | Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds |
| Format | Test |
England vs Pakistan prediction
England and Pakistan will begin their three-match Test series at Headingley as part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
England enter the series as favourites despite an inconsistent recent Test record. They have won only four of their last 13 matches, but their home record at Headingley gives them considerable confidence. England have won each of their last six Tests at the venue.
Pakistan, meanwhile, have not won a Test series since defeating England at home in October 2024. They are also missing some of their most experienced fast bowlers, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah unavailable for the series.
England's attack is expected to feature Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue, while Shoaib Bashir provides the specialist spin option.
Pakistan will rely heavily on Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali with the ball, while Babar Azam, Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan will carry much of the batting responsibility.
Prediction: England to win.
Pitch report
The Headingley surface is expected to have an even covering of grass, providing plenty of carry and lateral movement for the fast bowlers.
The new ball should be particularly challenging for the batsmen, who will need to play patiently and avoid chasing deliveries outside off stump. Once they settle in, shot-making should become easier.
The average first-innings score at the venue is around 300 runs.
The surface is expected to dry out as the Test progresses, potentially bringing the spinners into greater play during the final couple of days.
The weather is expected to remain cloudy throughout the match, with temperatures below 20 degrees.
Key players
England
- Joe Root: England's most experienced Test batsman and a crucial figure in the middle order.
- Harry Brook: An aggressive middle-order batter capable of changing the momentum of an innings quickly.
- Josh Tongue: England's leading bowler in the current cycle and a particularly interesting selection at Headingley.
- Jofra Archer: His pace and ability to extract bounce could make him a major threat to Pakistan's top order.
Pakistan
- Babar Azam: One of Pakistan's most experienced batsmen and an important player in handling England's pace attack.
- Shan Masood: Pakistan's captain and an important presence at the top of the order.
- Mohammad Rizwan: An experienced wicketkeeper-batter who will be expected to provide stability in the middle order.
- Khurram Shahzad: One of Pakistan's main pace options and likely to carry significant responsibility with the new ball.
Probable playing XIs
England probable XI
Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Joe Root (C), Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Jamie Smith (WK), Dan Lawrence, Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir.
Pakistan probable XI
Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (C), Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali.
Toss prediction
The team winning the toss is likely to bowl first.
The grass covering at Headingley should provide the seamers with movement and carry early in the Test. Bowling first would allow the captain to make the most of those conditions before the surface becomes easier for batting.
Why England are the better pick
England have several important advantages heading into the series opener.
- England have won each of their last six Tests at Headingley.
- Pakistan have not defeated England in England since 2018.
- England possess a strong pace attack featuring Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue.
- Josh Tongue has taken 45 wickets in 18 innings during the current cycle.
- Joe Root and Harry Brook provide significant experience and quality in the middle order.
- Pakistan are missing established fast bowlers such as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.
- Headingley's conditions should favour England's pace attack.
Pakistan still possess quality through Babar Azam, Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan, and their experienced batsmen could make England work hard for their wickets. However, the combination of home advantage, superior pace resources and Headingley's conditions makes England the stronger selection.
Bet on ENG vs PAK today
England are our match-winner selection at 1.50.
The more attractive betting opportunities could come through player markets. Josh Tongue to take over 4.5 wickets is particularly interesting given his recent form and previous success at Headingley, while Joe Root to score over 34.5 runs in the first innings is our preferred batting selection.
Check the latest ENG vs PAK odds on 1xBet.
