As the England cricket team gears up for their Test series against Pakistan, Sky Sports Cricket's Michael Atherton anticipates a "very different England" on display. He describes Brendon McCullum's squad as more "inexperienced and raw," highlighting the changes within the team since their last visit two years ago.

England's aggressive playing style, known as 'Bazball', flourished during their previous series in Pakistan, where they achieved a remarkable 3-0 clean sweep, breaking several records along the way. However, Atherton notes that the dynamics have shifted considerably as the first Test in this new three-match series has started in Multan on Monday.

"It's two years since England were last here in Multan, the City of Saints. It's a very different time of year, though," Atherton remarked. "The Test match was in December two years ago, it's October now and therefore much, much hotter, with temperatures nudging 40 degrees in England's practice days ahead of this Test match."

In addition to England's evolution, Pakistan also finds itself at a crossroads with new management. Under the leadership of new captain Shan Masood and coach Jason Gillespie, the team is looking to recover from a troubling run of form, having lost their last five Test matches, including two at home against Bangladesh.

"Pakistan are under new management as well. They have a new captain in Shan Masood, a new coach in former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie, but they've lost their last five Test matches, including two at home against Bangladesh."

"They'll be looking to stop the rot against England in this series. As ever, when England play Pakistan, it should be an absolutely fascinating series."