KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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England host Pakistan for a three-Test series at Headingley, Lord’s and Edgbaston.
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UK viewers can watch free highlights on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
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The first Test begins at Headingley on August 19, starting at 11:00 AM BST.
England begin a new era against Pakistan
England and Pakistan meet in a three-match Test series that marks the start of a fresh chapter for both sides. The first Test at Headingley, beginning August 19, sees Joe Root take charge as permanent captain for the second time in his career following Ben Stokes’ retirement from the format.
Pakistan arrive under new leadership of their own, with Babar Azam reinstated as Test captain in July 2026, replacing Shan Masood after a difficult run of results. Babar last led Pakistan in a Test back in 2023, making this something of a fresh start for him too.
Both teams enter the series needing points badly in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, with England seventh in the standings and Pakistan one place below them. England have lost their last two series, while Pakistan recently drew their series against the West Indies.
The series also carries historical significance for the tourists, with the Lord’s Test marking Pakistan’s first appearance at the ground against England since 2018.
England will be without Jacob Bethell for the entire series after a knee injury, with Jordan Cox stepping into the number three spot and Dan Lawrence returning to the side for the first time in two years.
ENG vs PAK Test start timings in UK and worldwide
Every Test on the tour begins at 11:00 AM local time in England, meaning viewers across the globe get a consistent start time throughout the series. The table below shows the start times across major regions.
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11:00 a.m. |
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3:00 p.m. |
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3:30 p.m. |
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6:00 a.m. |
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Where to watch ENG vs PAK Test series 2026 in the UK and worldwide
Live coverage of the England vs Pakistan Test series in the United Kingdom is held exclusively by Sky Sports, shown across Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event. Subscribers can stream through the Sky Go app, while non-subscribers can buy day or month passes through NOW without a contract.
For those looking to follow the series without paying, the BBC provides free coverage in two forms. Highlights of each day’s play are available on BBC Two and through BBC iPlayer, while BBC Test Match Special carries ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and the BBC Sport website and app.
The ECB also offers free 15-minute highlights of each Test through its website and the England Cricket app within minutes of the final ball being bowled, alongside live scorecards and in-app match centres throughout each day.
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Sky Sports Cricket, BBC Two (highlights) |
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ENG vs PAK Test series 2026 schedule
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