England v Pakistan - Series Summary

SERIES DRAWN 1-1
An enthralling series ended with Pakistan on top, and had the elements not intervened at Headingley the tourists may well have been celebrating a glorious and unexpected come-from-behind victory. As it was, 1-1 was probably a fair result, one that the sixth-ranked Pakistanis will take far more from than will England. A crushing win for the hosts in the first Test seemed to herald the one-sided series that many had predicted, but Imran rallied his troops well and was so nearly able to hand England what would have been only their second ever series defeat.

Fred Trueman's restoration to the English attack was an unqualified success, but Brian Statham apart, the remainder of England's bowling was lacklustre, as was the performance of the middle order batting. Wally Hammond endured the worst run of form in his ATG career, with five single figure scores in six innings, and although his previous record will protect his place in the side for now, there may well be other changes ahead of the series with South Africa; England badly missed Jack Hobbs in the second and third Tests, and will welcome his return against the Proteas. Pakistan's resurgence was very much down to a team effort, with Imran's leadership binding the whole to great effect at Edgbaston and Headingley. Doubts still remain over the best opening partnership though, and Waqar's continued lack of form must now put his place in the side in doubt.

Series averages
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The draw in the final Test means that England just about hold on to the number one spot in the rankings, but anything other than a series victory over South Africa will see them concede that position, and with an Ashes tour on the horizon the next few months promise to be testing times for English cricket.

Players of the Series: FS Trueman & Javed Miandad