Warm-up matches: What we learned

England’s two warm-up matches proved successful in their preparations ahead of the Test series. Here’s what the Proteas need to keep an eye on …

The series that made the Proteas No 1

The 2012 Basil D’Oliveira series had a bit of everything, and with the latest chapter in the book fast approaching, we revisit the series that took the Proteas to the top.

The Nightwatchman

I don’t get it. If Imran Tahir coming to the crease as a nightwatchman in the third Test against India wasn’t already bizarre enough, then the moment he worked his way to the middle for the same reason in the second innings was unfathomable.

Proteas need to reshuffle the pack

Vernon Philander’s promotion to the top of the order in the first Test against India was more than just an experiment. It shows a lack of confidence in the other options available to the Proteas.

Pakistan crush England to win series

Pakistan needed just over a session on the fifth and final day in Sharjah to beat England by 127 runs, and win the three-match series 2-0.

Pakistan favourites as Malik strikes

Pakistan need eight wickets on the final day of the third Test match to wrap up a 2-0 series victory over England, who still need 238 runs to pull off an unlikely victory.

Taylor impresses in Sharjah

England are closing in on Pakistan’s first innings total, as they battled to 222-4 with James Taylor reaching 74 not out on a slow day two in Sharjah.

Anderson, Broad make it England’s day

England enjoyed one of their most successful days of the series, as they skittled Pakistan for 234 before closing on 6-0 on day one of the third and final Test match in Sharjah on Sunday.

Examining the opposition

England have gone 1-0 down in the three-Test series against Pakistan with one to play. What can we take from their performance, as the end-of-year series against the Proteas looms?

Pakistan win with six overs left

Pakistan brought to an end a thrilling second Test match, as England failed to see off the final six overs remaining in the day to lose by 178 runs and go down 1-0 in the three-match Test series.

Even contest in Dubai

England bowled out Pakistan for 378, before Alastair Cook and Joe Root steered them to 182-3 on day two of the second Test in Dubai.

Misbah century powers Pakistan

A century from Misbah-ul-Haq guided Pakistan to 282-4 on day one of the second Test against England in Dubai on Thursday.

Future opponents

As the England tour of South Africa approaches, has England’s drawn Test against Pakistan given any clues as to how the opponents might shape up at the end of the year? Tom Sizeland discusses some lessons from the Abu Dhabi contest.

Pakistan hold on for draw in thrilling finish

England almost secured what would have been a famous victory, as bad light saw them 25 runs short of the 99 they needed to chase down. Tom Sizeland reports from Abu Dhabi.

Cook 263 deflates Pakistan

The first Test match between Pakistan and England is heading towards a draw, as Alastair Cook produced the third-longest innings in Test history to score 263, and guide England to 569-8 at the close of play on day four. Tom Sizeland reports from Abu Dhabi.