TEST SERIES IN PAKISTAN GOES AHEAD AS PLANNED

England’s historic Test cricket return to Pakistan will begin as planned in Rawalpindi after contingency plans to move the first match of the series were shelved.

Ben Stokes’ side are set to play a three-match series in the country next month, their first in 17 years due to long-standing security concerns, but were facing late uncertainty over the venue for the opening clash on December 1.

Alternative arrangements were being assessed by the Pakistan Cricket Board due to ongoing political unrest following the shooting of former prime minister and cricket great Imran Khan.

Khan was shot in the leg at a protest rally against the government last month, escalating tensions in the region, and there were concerns his supporters’ march towards the capital, Islamabad, would affect the England Test at the nearby Pindi Stadium.

However, the England and Wales Cricket Board has kept a constant dialogue open with the PCB, which hosted a seamless seven-game T20 series between the sides just weeks ago, and the local authorities have offered sufficient assurances that the match will proceed without disruption.

The ECB has been in contact with the foreign and commonwealth office over the trip, though much of its decision-making process hinges around the advice of its trusted security adviser Reg Dickason.

England are due to arrive into Islamabad on November 26 following a training camp and warm-up match against England Lions in Abu Dhabi.