The upcoming Test series between Pakistan and England holds significant importance in the World Test Championship (WTC) as players from both sides inch closer to major personal achievements. England is aiming to stay in contention for the WTC points race, and although their qualification chances are slim, individual records are on the line.
Joe Root on the Verge of 5,000 WTC Runs
Joe Root stands on the brink of creating history by becoming the first and only batter to score 5,000 runs in WTC history. With 4,973 runs in 106 innings since the 2019 WTC cycle, he is just 27 runs shy of reaching this milestone. Root’s performance puts him significantly ahead of Marnus Labuschagne, who has 3,904 WTC runs.
In addition to this, Root is close to surpassing Alastair Cook as England’s highest Test run-scorer. Root, currently with 12,402 Test runs, requires just 71 more to overtake Cook and enter the top five all-time run-getters in Test cricket. With six Tests remaining in the WTC cycle, Root could also aim for the 13,000-run milestone.
Babar Azam Nears 4,000 Test Runs
Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam is also on the brink of a personal achievement, needing only 38 more runs to reach 4,000 in Test cricket. His batting will be crucial for Pakistan as they face off against England in the series.
Bowlers Closing in on 100 WTC Wickets
Among the bowlers, Shaheen Afridi, Chris Woakes, and Jack Leach are all nearing the 100 wickets mark in the WTC. Afridi needs seven wickets, Woakes requires nine, and Leach is 10 away from the milestone. Leach makes his return to the England squad after a standout performance for Somerset in the County Championship.
Series Updates and Squad Changes
The series will be without England’s star all-rounder and captain, Ben Stokes, who has yet to recover fully from his hamstring injury. This leaves a gap in England’s lineup, but the focus will remain on the form and milestones of players like Root, Afridi, Woakes, and Leach. Both teams aim to finish their WTC campaigns on a high, even if the possibility of reaching the final is slim.