The Test series between England and Pakistan, which begins at Headingley on Thursday, has been dubbed “El Dysfunctiono” by some observers, reflecting the self-sabotaging tendencies of both teams. Pakistan arrive at a low ebb, having lost 13 of their past 18 Tests, including a record eight consecutive away defeats, a run only ended this month with a 1-1 draw in the Caribbean. England, meanwhile, are in a semi-reset after a dismal Ashes winter and a heavy defeat to New Zealand in June, with Joe Root returning as captain and Ben Stokes absent.
A Rivalry Without a Trophy
The history of Test cricket between England and Pakistan dates back to 1954, and despite memorable battles, cultural ties, and a fair share of scandal, no permanent trophy has been created for the rivalry. England recently lost the Crowe-Thorpe trophy to New Zealand, will aim to retain the Basil D’Oliveira trophy in South Africa this winter, and hope to reclaim the Ashes next year. Trophies for series against India and West Indies have been retired and replaced in recent times.
Aside from the Benaud-Qadir trophy, inaugurated when Australia visited Pakistan in 2022, Test series involving Pakistan rely on sponsor-commissioned cups. When England last toured Pakistan, the hosts lifted the Bank Alfalah presents Kingdom Valley trophy. Until something more meaningful is devised, the series might be called “El Dysfunctiono,” a fitting moniker for two teams capable of driving supporters up the wall with their inconsistency.
Pakistan's Struggles and Leadership Changes
Pakistan are frozen out of the top table at the International Cricket Council and sit one place off the bottom of the World Test Championship after finishing last in the previous cycle. Their recent form has been undermined by a revolving door of head coaches and team directors – 11 in the past five years across formats, including interims. They have turned back to Babar Azam as Test captain, despite his 36 innings without a century. Babar will miss the series opener due to a hand injury, with Salman Ali Agha stepping in as captain.
England's Semi-Reset and Root's Return
England’s situation is comparatively more stable, but they ended up soundly beaten by New Zealand in June, falling to seventh in the nine-team World Test Championship table. Ben Stokes stepped down as captain, Brendon McCullum lost half of his role as head coach, and a semi-reset is now under way. Like Pakistan, England have turned back to their senior batter, Joe Root, who insists he is a different person and cricketer than four years ago. Root’s message is one of refinement rather than overhaul, focusing on adaptability and nuance rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Root will move from first slip to mid-off to speak more directly to his bowlers. The absence of Stokes, who provides balance and presence, makes the task trickier, as does the fact that new Test coach Stephen Fleming does not start until the winter. The tight turnaround after a month in the Hundred represents a significant gear shift for England’s fast bowlers, while Pakistan have been playing red-ball cricket for weeks.
Weather and Conditions at Headingley
In Root’s favour this week is the weather. A relentless heatwave threatened to expose England’s lack of a frontline spinner, but clouds have rolled in, suggesting the quicks will come to the fore between showers. This will make Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas, a skilful operator, a handful. Root’s lack of a lofty mission statement is probably for the best. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s website lists six “priority areas” to be addressed over the next five years, but with no publication date, it is a rolling deadline that sums up the green half of El Dysfunctiono.
