Pakistan to play 4, that's right, 4, Tests v England in 2016

When died England last play a FOUR Test series v Pakistan? Never?

LINK

I suppose they mostly last only 3 days nowadays ...

The last time they toured?

Will any of the fixers be picked?

I can't recall the other opponents other years Pakistan have toured here, but at a guess it's usually been WI, SA or NZ ..... all countries who've played test cricket for longer - making Pakistan the "junior opponents", as it were.

However, they have been playing tests for longer than SL, so as the senior opponents get the extra test - that would be my reckoning FWIW.

Technically we could probably refuse them entry though

There was a five match series in 1962

Klämmssøn wrote:The last time they toured?

Will any of the fixers be picked?

Indeed Klammson - 2010, other opponents were Bangladesh (2 tests)

But also the time before - 2006, when Sri Lanka had 3 tests, as next year.

Having looked at the fixture list, we've  also had two 5 match series - in 1992, and 1987 before that.

Of course, 5 test summers was usually the norm then, the Ashes being the exception which used to be 6 matches. We'd also have 2 x 3 match series on occasons - but 7 Tests per summer is a recent phenomenon, since the whole world began to be driven by money above every other consideration.

well spotted by all

We all thank you, good sir

Yeah was going to say, I've never remembered them not having 4 tests, certainly the last two tours were.

They have a big following in England which always helps with ticket sales.

Wonder if their British born and raised supporters will boo Moeen like they did to Saj Mahmood, for "disloyalty" or something.

That's always fun.

Growler wrote:

Klämmssøn wrote:The last time they toured?

Will any of the fixers be picked?

Indeed Klammson - 2010, other opponents were Bangladesh (2 tests)

But also the time before - 2006, when Sri Lanka had 3 tests, as next year.

Having looked at the fixture list, we've  also had two 5 match series - in 1992, and 1987 before that.

Of course, 5 test summers was usually the norm then, the Ashes being the exception which used to be 6 matches. We'd also have 2 x 3 match series on occasons - but 7 Tests per summer is a recent phenomenon, since the whole world began to be driven by money above every other consideration.

It certainly saddens me that cricket is treading the path of football, going from earning money to pay for the cricket to playing cricket solely for profit. Putting money first before all other considerations. I'd happily lose an ODI/T20 or several to keep the seven tests, but we'll have the new horror franchise T20 to crowbar in next season or something equally as foolish, so probably the opposite will happen - lose a test. Then the test players can get involved. I'm sure the whole world wants to see Cook smiting edging and nudging it around Chelmsford!

I think the ECB are backpeddling on the idea of Franchise T20 competition (and a bloody god job too!) - at least this side of 2019 when the TV rights are up for bidding again.

Four test series are becoming trendy. I always think- If they can do four, then why not five?

I hope Pakistan still have a half decent side by next Summer, although I fear for their batting as both Younis and Misbah will likely have retired by then. As is always the case with Pakistan, they could beat us, or they could be absolutely awful and lose every match heavily.

Two things of note about next year's schedule:

Two tests in May FFS!
Sri Lanka again - they were only here last year.

Dello wrote:Wonder if their British born and raised supporters will boo Moeen like they did to Saj Mahmood, for "disloyalty" or something.

That's always fun.

Worked with Saj.

Basil wrote:Two things of note about next year's schedule:

Two tests in May FFS!
Sri Lanka again - they were only here last year.

Why SL again? I seem to recall they were/will be a replacement for another side, but I'm not sure.

PeterCS wrote:

Dello wrote:Wonder if their British born and raised supporters will boo Moeen like they did to Saj Mahmood, for "disloyalty" or something.

That's always fun.

Worked with Saj.

Saj post.