England are set to host Pakistan in a three Test series with games scheduled to be held at Headingley, Lords and Edgbaston. There have been many epic encounters between these two nations since Pakistan made their first foray into Test cricket back in 1952.
To date England and Pakistan have played each other 92 times with England winning 30 and Pakistan 23.
There have been 39 draws. Let’s take a moment to look back through the archives as we remember five of the all-time best performances from games between these two rivals.
In only their fourth Test match on English soil, a young Pakistani side achieved the unthinkable by defeating a powerhouse England team at The Oval. The architect of this legendary victory was medium-pacer Fazal Mahmood.
In a low-scoring game, on a damp, treacherous surface, Mahmood bamboozled the English batsmen with his deadly leg-cutters. He picked up phenomenal figures of 6/53 in the first innings and backed it up with an even better 6/46 in the second.
His match haul of 12 for 99 secured a historic 24-run victory, proving that Pakistan belonged on the world stage.
Pakistan had not tasted a Test victory in England for 28 long years until they arrived at Lord’s in the summer of 1982.
While Imran Khan marshalled the side as captain, it was opening batsman Mohsin Khan who laid a magnificent platform for his team by grinding out a masterful, eight-hour 200 in the first innings.
The defining drama, however, came on the final day. With two of Pakistan’s frontline seamers sidelined with injuries, part-time medium-pacer Mudassar Nazar stepped up to produce an unexpected spell that earned him the nickname “The Man with the Golden Arm.”
Nazar tore through the heart of England’s batting order to pick up career-best figures of 6 for 32. His gentle, pinpoint bowling triggered an extraordinary second-innings collapse, sealing a famous 10-wicket victory at the Home of Cricket.
Also read: Masterful milestones – the 7 highest Test scores against Australia down under since 2000
The 1992 tour of England is remembered for introducing the mainstream cricketing world to the dark art of reverse swing. At Lord’s, the legendary duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis were at their devastating best.
England had conceded a 38-run lead after the first innings were completed, but they were slowly going about building a useful lead as they reached 148 for five with Alec Stewart well set.
What followed was total carnage as Wasim and Waqar made the old ball talk, producing late, unplayable inswinging yorkers at extreme pace. They took the final five wickets for just 27 runs, bundling England out for 175.
On a deteriorating pitch, the England collapse and the small first innings lead meant Pakistan were just able to squeeze to victory with eight wickets down when they finally got the job done.
Wasim Akram who ended the game with six wickets was the man at the crease, undefeated on 45 when the game came to an end.
In one of the most bizarre and thrilling Test matches ever played, England’s “Bazball” revolution met the flat tracks of Rawalpindi. England smashed a monumental 657 runs in their first innings at more than six runs an over.
However, the real masterpiece happened on day five. On a lifeless pitch, Ben Stokes made a daring declaration, leaving Pakistan to chase 343.
As the sun set rapidly on the final evening, spinner Jack Leach trapped Naseem Shah LBW with only minutes of light remaining, sealing a famous 74-run win in the dying gloom. In total there were seven centuries scored on a wicket that was a true batter’s paradise.
History was rewritten in Multan during the 2024 tour. After Pakistan piled on a massive first-innings score of 556, England responded with an aggressive, record-breaking onslaught.
Middle-order dynamo Harry Brook played the innings of his life, blasting a sensational 317 off just 322 balls. Alongside Joe Root (who struck 262), Brook dismantled the Pakistani bowling attack to guide England to a mammoth 823/7 declared.
This incredible batting performance set up an unimaginable innings-and-47-run victory.
Read next: A tale of two timelines – Bangladesh’s golden dawn and Australia’s creaking sunset
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Bangladesh opening bowler Hasan Mahmud was in superb form on the opening day of the first Test between Australia and Bangladesh in Darwin as he ripped through the Baggy Green batting line-up, returning figures of six for 55 from his 17 overs.
Playing in just his 15th Test and with a modest career average, the spell represented the best figures of his young Test career. But how do they compare with the great performances produced against Australia in the modern era?
Since 2000, Australia have been one of the most dominant Test cricket sides in world cricket, making outstanding bowling displays against them particularly memorable. Here are seven of the finest innings returns recorded against Australia this century.
This remains the benchmark. Broad produced one of the most devastating spells in Test history during the Ashes at Trent Bridge, reducing Australia to 60 all out inside a session.
Swinging the ball late and relentlessly attacking the stumps, Broad claimed eight wickets for just 15 runs in 9.3 overs. It was not merely a great performance against Australia; it was one of the greatest fast bowling displays the game has ever seen.
Harbhajan’s spell came during the famous 2001 Border-Gavaskar series that changed Indian cricket history.
Bowling on a wearing Chennai surface, he dismantled a powerful Australia batting order that included Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh.
His off-spin, bounce and control were exceptional, and the performance helped India to secure a memorable victory.
Also read: Masterful milestones – the 7 highest Test scores against Australia down under since 2000
Kumble’s figures were far more expensive than the others on this list, but they came in a marathon effort against a formidable Australian side. He bowled tirelessly across a huge innings, taking eight wickets through persistence, accuracy and subtle variation.
It was a classic Kumble performance, built on endurance as much as skill.
Another Indian spinner, Jadeja was almost unplayable in Delhi during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Exploiting turn and variable bounce, he ripped through Australia’s middle and lower order to finish with seven for 42.
The spell highlighted his transformation from a supporting spinner into one of the most complete bowlers in world cricket.
Herath tormented Australia in Galle with a masterclass in left-arm spin. Using drift, dip and sharp turn, he repeatedly drew Australian batters into mistakes and finished with seven for 64.
The spell underlined why Herath became one of Sri Lanka’s greatest spin bowlers after Muttiah Muralitharan’s retirement.
Henry’s performance in Christchurch was a reminder that Australia can still be overwhelmed by high-quality seam bowling in helpful conditions.
Extracting movement off the pitch and through the air, he removed several key batters and kept New Zealand competitive throughout the innings. It was one of the best fast-bowling performances by a New Zealander against Australia in modern times.
Joseph’s spell at the Gabba was extraordinary for both its quality and its context.
Playing with a painful toe injury, the young West Indian quick produced a spell of pace, aggression and heart to bowl Australia out and secure a famous West Indies victory.
The performance instantly became part of Caribbean cricket folklore.
Hasan Mahmud’s six for 55 does not yet displace any of the seven performances above, but it belongs in the conversation. Compared with Broad’s 8 for 15 or Harbhajan’s 8 for 84, it falls short in scale and historical impact.
Yet for a bowler with limited Test experience to take six wickets against Australia on Australian soil is a significant achievement – notably each of the top six best returns were achieved with Australia playing away from home.
What makes Hasan’s effort stand out is the stage. Australia rarely lose early wickets in home conditions, and visiting seamers often struggle for sustained success there.
His six for 55 is already among the best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi bowler against Australia and offers a glimpse of what he might achieve as his career develops.
Read next: A tale of two timelines – Bangladesh’s golden dawn and Australia’s creaking sunset
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As we all know the ICC ranks its member nations and their players across all formats. As it stands India are the top ranked ODI cricket side, England are top in T20I, and Australia top the Test rankings.
Players are tracked and ranked as batsmen, bowlers and allrounders. As each game is completed the rankings are updated and positions shift and it’s safe to say that there is a considerable amount of up and down on the rankings.
But what is fascinating, is that if you put a stick in the ground, and you use the year end as a marker, then since 2008, only six players have been top of the ICC ODI batting rankings.
Let’s take a moment to look back over the last 18 years to see the players who have dominated the rankings and been top at the end of each calendar year.
The legendary wicketkeeper and finisher supreme ruled the fifty over format at the start of this era, holding the coveted top spot at the conclusion of both 2008 and 2009.
Finishing his ODI career with a remarkable batting average of 50.57, Dhoni was universally famous for his ice-cold demeanour under extreme pressure and his unparalleled ability to calculate successful run chases.
A standout knock from his reign was his masterclass 101 not out against Sri Lanka in 2010, which perfectly highlighted his clinical finishing ability – and his unique ability to remain undefeated.
The elegant South Africa opener took control of the rankings for three consecutive years from 2010 through 2012. He maintained a stellar career ODI average of 49.46 and became the fastest batsman to reach multiple milestone aggregates in cricket history.
His immaculate consistency at the top of the order provided South Africa with a rock-solid platform, beautifully illustrated by his spectacular 150 against England at Southampton in 2012.
Affectionately known as Mr 360, this genius batsman dominated the global standings for four consecutive calendar years between 2013 and 2016. De Villiers possessed an extraordinary career average of 53.50 and completely reinvented limited overs batting.
His defining moment at number one was smashing the world record for the fastest ODI century, blistering 149 runs off just 44 balls against the West Indies in 2015.
Also read: When will India let go of Gautam Gambhir?
The modern maestro took the baton from De Villiers and enjoyed a phenomenal four year run at the absolute peak from 2017 to 2020. Kohli maintained an astonishing batting average of 58.07, elevating run chasing to an art form.
His relentless hunger for centuries solidified his status as an all-time great, emphasized by his magnificent 160 not out against South Africa in Cape Town in 2018.
The Pakistani superstar disrupted the Indian and South African duopoly by finishing at the peak for consecutive years spanning 2021 to 2023. Carrying an impressive ODI batting average of 56.72, Babar provided his team with world class stability.
His masterclass 158 against England at Birmingham remains a signature standout performance during his prolonged peak.
The current Indian captain and explosive opening batsman earned his spot at the pinnacle by finishing as the top ranked ODI batter for the calendar year of 2025.
Famously known as the Hitman, Rohit pairs a magnificent 49.12 average with an elite ability to destroy bowling attacks for India.
His elite pedigree was perfectly demonstrated by his brutal 131 against Afghanistan, proving that his world class ability remains permanent at the highest level of international cricket.
Read next: England and India’s most classic white-ball finishes
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South Africa named their squad for the upcoming white-ball series against Namibia and Zimbabwe with Bjorn Fortuin named as skipper. With different teams for different formats and with a heavy rotation policy to manage player load, the Proteas have been led by a huge number of different players in the last year. Let’s take a quick look at all the different players who have skippered the Proteas since the start of 2025.
Temba Bavuma (Tests & ODIs)
The primary anchor of the Proteas leadership group, Temba Bavuma, has remained the default long-form and 50-over leader when fit. But fitness has been a consistent issue. Navigating various away tours and key ICC World Test Championship cycles, Bavuma provides the tactical stability Cricket South Africa relies on amidst a wave of experimental rest periods for key multi-format superstars. A sensational leader, Bavuma has yet to taste defeat as a Test captain.
Aiden Markram (T20Is & Tests)
Serving as South Africa’s regular T20I skipper, Aiden Markram led the team through major global campaigns and bilateral series in the shortest format. He also stepped up as the stand-in captain in Test cricket whenever Bavuma was sidelined with injuries, maintaining continuity in intent and aggression across both the red and white-ball teams.
Wiaan Mulder (Tests)
One of the most jaw-dropping captaincy cameos came in July 2025 during the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Handed the reins for the first time in his 21st match, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder played a legendary captain’s knock, smashing an unbeaten 367 runs off 334 balls as he registered the fifth-highest individual Test score in cricket history. In a supreme display of team-first leadership, Mulder declared at lunch on day two just 33 runs short of Brian Lara’s all-time world record of 400 to hunt for a victory.
Keshav Maharaj (Tests, ODIs, & T20Is)
South Africa’s premier spin general Keshav Maharaj has been the ultimate fallback captain across all three formats. Known for his calm demeanour and astute understanding of field placements, Maharaj skippered crucial matches in 2025, ensuring the Proteas never missed a beat when Markram or Bavuma were rested.
Matthew Breetzke (ODIs)
As heavy player management became the norm, top-order batter Matthew Breetzke earned the honour of becoming South Africa’s 20th ODI captain. Breetzke, who enjoyed a historic start to his standard 50-over career with a record-setting string of consecutive half-centuries, proved that Cricket South Africa’s grooming process for young leadership is working flawlessly.
Rassie van der Dussen (ODIs & T20Is)
The experienced middle-order batsman Rassie van der Dussen was drafted into the hot seat during transitional white-ball assignments. His cool head and meticulous planning allowed senior selectors to safely rest first-choice players without sacrificing the competitive edge expected from a Proteas side.
David Miller (ODIs & T20Is)
The legendary finisher “Killer Miller” lent his massive wealth of international experience to the captaincy ledger during highly specific rest windows. David Miller has skippered standard international squads and provided crucial field guidance to young bowling line-ups navigating high-pressure death overs.
Donovan Ferreira (T20Is)
Illustrating just how deep the rotation structure goes, explosive utility player Donovan Ferreira was officially added to South Africa’s elite captaincy ranks as the 17th T20I captain in the nation’s history. Ferreira took charge during rapid-fire bilateral T20I matches to let core regulars recuperate.
Bjorn Fortuin (T20Is & ODIs)
The newest man on the list is left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin, who has officially been named the 18th T20I and 21st ODI captain for South Africa. He leads a hungry, youth-heavy 15-player contingent heading to Windhoek for a multi-format tour against Namibia and Zimbabwe. Known as a proven champion at the domestic level with the Lions, Fortuin’s appointment highlights a dynamic era where leadership opportunities are shared widely to protect the game’s brightest assets.
The post South Africa’s 9 captains in last 2 years – unheralded spinner is surprising latest pick appeared first on Cricket365.
The international cricket coaching landscape currently resembles a game of musical chairs. Stephen Fleming has taken over as the new Test coach of England, replacing the brilliant but often controversial Brendon McCullum, who now retreats to the white ball setup.
At the same time, massive systemic dissatisfaction and immense public scrutiny are brewing in India over their coaching direction. In times of global leadership transition, it’s valuable to take a look at the situation on the home front.
South Africans should take a moment to truly appreciate what they have in Shukri Conrad. While some nations chase flashy headlines, the Proteas possess a quiet catalyst who embodies the true spirit of collective sportsmanship.
A cricket coach should always be a steady figure working diligently in the background. If a coach is hogging the headlines, then something is fundamentally wrong with the team dynamics.
Modern cricket media loves a maverick mastermind, but a leader who outshines the team can inadvertently absorb the oxygen needed for actual growth. Conrad balances this reality perfectly by intentionally keeping the spotlight away from himself.
Also read: When will India let go of Gautam Gambhir?
By operating from the shadows, he ensures that the public focus remains strictly on the unfolding action on the pitch rather than on the off-field coaching philosophies or personal eccentricities.
This background presence reinforces the most crucial tenet of any successful sports culture. It is never about the coach, and it is never about the individual players, because it is always about the team.
When a locker room embraces this hierarchy, egos melt away and a singular purpose emerges. Conrad understands this balance deeply and has created a culture where collective triumph supersedes personal milestones.
Under his guidance, individual stars do not play for personal accolades, and the coaching staff does not hunt for personal vindication.
The entire apparatus exists solely to serve the badge. South Africa may be the World Test Champions, but nobody has ever suggested that they have reached the top by playing ShukriBall (or for that matter BavumaBall).
The primary job of a national coach is to ensure that the team functions as effectively as possible. This requires meticulous preparation, quiet tactical astuteness, and an unwavering commitment to structural health.
Conrad brings an unparalleled domestic pedigree to the role, having coached at youth, academy, and franchise levels before ascending to the national side.
This deep knowledge allows him to manage player workloads, design optimal training regimens, and implement clear game plans without creating unnecessary noise or disruption. Efficiency, not spectacle, remains his primary goal.
Crucially, an effective coach must make his players feel backed and believed in. Test cricket is a brutal mental battle, and a player who feels insecure about his position cannot perform at his peak. Conrad excels at instilling this vital psychological safety.
He provides clear communication, shows immense loyalty to his selections, and acts as a protective shield against external media criticism. When athletes know that their leader genuinely believes in their ability, they play with greater freedom and courage.
This appreciation is not to say that McCullum was a bad coach for England. His explosive era brought immense excitement to the game.
However, as England undergoes complex structural changes and India grapples with coaching discontent, South Africa sits in a position of rare stability.
Conrad offers exactly what the Proteas need right now, which is substance over style, and stability over hype. South Africans should celebrate having a leader who understands his true purpose, and in turn they should look forward to what the summer ahead will bring.
Read next: England and India’s most classic white-ball finishes
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