First four-Test rubber for Pakistan in 14 years

* For the first time in 14 years Pakistan would be playing a four (or more) match Test series against any Test playing nation. For reasons better known to ICC or perhaps PCB, the last time Pakistan did so was when they were World Champions - in 1992 Javed Miandad led Pakistan to a thumping win by 2-1 scoreline in a five match series mostly remembered by Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis’ twin destruction, of Graham Gooch’s camp, sharing 43 of the 71 English wickets, between them, that fell in the series.

* Since the 1992 series against England, Pakistan has only played either three, two or one-off match series. As compared to other teams like Australia, South Africa, England and West Indies’ have played four or more match rubbers regularly during the same time period. See Tables 1 and 2 for more details.

* At Lord's, both teams have an equal win record with three wins against each other. The last time, Lord’s saw a draw between these two sides was in 1987 when the rain won the show with just England’s first innings being completed.

* In the last eight series between the two sides Pakistan have won six, lost one and drew one. Head-to-head, England though still enjoys a better record against Pakistan. In the 63 Tests played so far, England has won 16 as compared to 12 by Pakistan. See Table 3 for series by series break-up of both teams.