The England-Pakistan Test rivalry is ready to enter another intriguing chapter, with the first of three Tests scheduled to begin at Headingley in Leeds on August 19. While both teams look to strengthen their campaigns in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, the series also provides another opportunity to revisit some of the finest batters who have dominated this fixture over the years.
A new era begins for England and Pakistan
England head into the series with several significant changes. Following Ben Stokes‘ retirement from Test cricket and Brendon McCullum‘s departure as head coach, Joe Root has returned as England’s permanent Test captain. Marcus Trescothick is currently overseeing the team as interim coach, with Stephen Fleming set to take charge later.
Root has already introduced some changes to England’s team culture, including the decision to scrap the long-standing midnight curfew. The veteran batter will now have the added responsibility of leading the side while continuing to contribute heavily with the bat.
Pakistan, meanwhile, have also undergone a leadership change. After a difficult period under Shan Masood, veteran Babar Azam was reinstated as Test captain in July 2026. Pakistan will hope Babar can help revive the team’s fortunes and draw inspiration from their memorable home victories over England in 2024.
5 batters with most runs in ENG vs PAK Tests
1. Alastair Cook – 1,719 runs
England great Alastair Cook remains the leading run-scorer in Test matches between England and Pakistan. The former opener amassed 1,719 runs in 20 matches, including five centuries and eight fifties. Known for his patience, discipline and ability to occupy the crease for long periods, Cook regularly tested Pakistan’s bowlers and played several important innings during his career. His consistency across numerous encounters has kept him at the top of the list.
2. Inzamam-ul-Haq – 1,584 runs
Pakistan batting legend Inzamam-ul-Haq occupies second place with 1,584 runs from 19 Tests against England. The elegant middle-order batter scored five centuries and 10 fifties, highlighting his remarkable consistency in the rivalry. Inzamam was particularly effective when set, using his strong technique and trademark timing to punish England’s bowlers. His ability to turn promising starts into substantial contributions made him one of Pakistan’s most dependable batters in these contests.
3. Mushtaq Mohammad – 1,554 runs
Former Pakistan captain Mushtaq Mohammad is third on the all-time list with 1,554 runs in 23 Tests against England. He recorded three centuries and 11 fifties during those matches, underlining his ability to consistently contribute with the bat. Mushtaq was part of an important era in Pakistan cricket and faced several strong England attacks during his career. His longevity and reliability helped him build one of the highest run tallies in this historic Test rivalry.
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4. Mohammad Yousuf – 1,499 runs
Mohammad Yousuf sits fourth with an impressive 1,499 runs in just 14 Tests against England. The former Pakistan batter scored six centuries and three fifties, giving him an outstanding conversion rate in the rivalry. Yousuf’s compact technique, balance and exceptional strokeplay allowed him to dominate when conditions suited batting. Despite playing fewer matches than the three players above him, his six centuries helped him establish himself as one of Pakistan’s most successful run-scorers against England.
5. Joe Root – 1,487 runs
Root is the only active cricketer among the top five, having accumulated 1,487 runs in 18 Tests against Pakistan. The England star has scored two centuries and seven fifties in the rivalry and now has an opportunity to move further up the chart. With Root returning as England’s permanent Test captain, the upcoming three-match series carries added significance for him. He needs only 13 runs to overtake Yousuf and could potentially challenge the higher-ranked names if he enjoys a productive series.
Also READ: Babar Azam’s England Test preparations hit by hand injury scare
