"Pakistan likely to play five-match Test series in England," report

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is reportedly planning to revive the tradition of five-match Test series against teams outside the 'Big Three'—Australia, England, and India. 

According to English media reports, Pakistan and South Africa are the two most likely teams to be invited for these expanded series in the near future.

The ECB is aiming to resume five-match Test series as part of its strategy to reinvigorate the format. The first expanded series against a non-Big Three nation could take place as early as the summer of 2028, a period when England will be hosting arch-rivals Australia and India for separate Test series.

The ECB believes that longer series, such as five-match encounters, will generate more interest in the Test format by creating compelling narratives over multiple matches. The aim is to showcase the unique nature of Test cricket, where stories unfold gradually across a longer period, offering fans a richer experience.

In addition, the ECB feels that hosting a longer series will create a greater sense of occasion, adding more excitement to the game.

Reports suggest that Pakistan and South Africa are the most likely teams to be invited for a full Test series with England in the coming years. Both nations have a strong cricketing history with England, and their rivalries have always attracted significant fan support in the UK.

The ECB is reportedly discussing plans for both four-match and five-match Test series. There is a strong inclination towards organizing a five-match series, signaling a bold move to revive interest in longer-format cricket.

For context, England's last five-match Test series against Pakistan took place in 1992, which ended in a 2-1 defeat at home to a Javed Miandad-led Pakistan team. The most recent five-match Test series England played against South Africa was in 2004-05.