1st Test: England v Pakistan at Abu Dhabi

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik said he was well geared up to stage a comeback in the first Test against England in Abu Dhabi starting on Tuesday -- his first match in the longer format for five years.

Malik played the last of his 32 Tests in 2010, also against England, before losing his place to youngsters Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq.

Malik was only added to the Pakistan squad last week as the 16th member following his excellent performances in the one-day and Twenty20 cricket, and then a door opened for him with a foot injury to Ali.

Malik said he would do his best to succeed.

“I will try my best to maintain the performances I have given in T20s and one-day matches but Tests are different and more challenging,” he told reporters.

Younis Khan is poised to surpass Javed Miandad as Pakistan’s highest run-getter in Test cricket, but he refuses to be considered the equal of a man he describes as a “legend and an idol”.

The 37-year-old needs just 19 more runs in the three-Test series against England starting on Tuesday to pass Miandad’s tally of 8,832 runs scored in 124 matches during an illustrious career which stretched from 1976 to 1993.

Younis has so far scored 8,814 runs in 101 Tests, with a Pakistan record of 30 centuries.

“It would be great to achieve the record. I never thought I would do it at the start of my career,” said Younis.

“Passing Miandad would be great but I am in no way close to the great man who is a legend of Pakistan cricket. Even after passing his tally of runs I would not be able to attain the heights that Miandad achieved. He was idolised by millions.”

No doubt Younis Khan is a legend, but it is true that Miandad was a genius and one of the most 'street-smart' cricketer ever produced by Pakistan. Younis might score more runs than Miandad and will become one of the greatest batsman of Pakistan but still, the skill level of Miandad were far superior

Miandad was very cheeky batsman, he was a kind who will never go under pressure but instead tease an opposition, however, YK is a great character, a very skilful and down to earth person. Good luck YK

Younis has always been a gentleman, true to the game and his country. A very sensible comment to make in contrast to the likes of Kohli, who makes lofty statements. No doubt he is a great batsman but still has to go a long way to be known as Legend.

Losing Finn for this series is a big blow for England and very disappointing after his successful return this summer. Given that Mark Wood is injury prone himself, this leaves England a little short on the pace bowling front but perhaps ensures that they will use both Mo and Rashid.

No Yasir Shah for Pakistan would be a bigger loss and a lucky break for England, albeit potentially for just the one Test.

Having Mo open the batting would a huge weight on his shoulders. He is going to be asked to shoulder big load with the ball as England's frontline spinner and then to go out and opening the batting is going to take tremendous physical and mental energy, especially in that heat.

Mohammad Hafeez and Dilshan have performed this dual role well in recent years but those are the exception, not the norm.

There has been quite the groundswell in recent weeks for Mo to open the batting. It would seem that neither the ex-players nor the selectors are completely sold on Hales as an opening batsman in Test cricket.

I would predict an England victory but I am very weary of the fact that England is not playing at home and so anything is possible! I think Pakistan has a very good chance in this series.

England got spanked 3-0 the last time these two teams played in the UAE. It is hard seeing any result other than a Pakistan series win. England have all kinds of question marks surrounding their batting and Jimmy Anderson's swing is going to be severely nullified. There is still no word as to whether Mo or Hales will open the batting. My guess is that Mo gets the nod based on the most recent remarks from Trevor Bayliss.